Ask the Author: Gabriella Saab
Answered Questions (4)
Gabriella Saab
Thank you so much! The inspiration for Daughters of Victory came about when I was researching my debut, The Last Checkmate, and I stumbled across a young Soviet partisan named Zina Portnova, who joined the resistance during World War II. You can learn more about her in my historical note in Daughters of Victory (after you read the book - no spoilers!). She fascinated me and made me realize how little I knew about Russian history in general, aside from the usual topics discussed back in my days at school. I wanted to write a novel inspired by Portnova's life, and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to educate myself further on Russian history during World War II and also on another fascinating time that I knew only the basics about: the Russian Revolution. I learned so much and came away with a much deeper appreciation for Russian history and culture, and I was so fortunate to have culturally authentic insights from friends and fellow authors who educated me further and were so willing to answer my questions and correct my mistakes (though if any remain, I apologize and those are totally on me ;) By developing this story, I hoped to bring more attention to these lesser-known aspects of history and to some of the real women who lived during these times and inspired my characters. And, as with all my books, I hope to encourage my readers to learn more for themselves.
Gabriella Saab
If I told you, someone else might read this, steal it, and write a book about it before I have the chance ;)
Gabriella Saab
Hi Jan! My second book is in the works - can't share details yet, but I'll be sure to keep everyone updated :)
Gabriella Saab
THE LAST CHECKMATE is a work of adult fiction set during WWII, a dark and horrific time in history, and thus will not be suitable for all audiences and will be disturbing. I attempted to portray this time as realistically and delicately as possible while being sensitive to readers. The following are mild but non-specific spoilers. Some contain more specific references but should not impact your reading experience. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
-strong language (in multiple languages)
-strong violence/gore
-on-the-page physical and psychological abuse/torture (one scene includes a strip search down to undergarments against a female minor)
-ableism, ageism, and sexism
-antisemitism and anti-Polonism (including racial/ethnic slurs)
-pro-Nazi rhetoric
-mild burns (cigarette burns inflicted for the purpose of torture)
-beatings, including floggings and severe scarring
-concentration/extermination camps
-forced nudity
-mention of rape/sexual assault/prostitution (not witnessed by the reader)
-one scene of sexual assault/attempted rape witnessed by the reader (rape of a female minor is intended but not carried out, and the scene is handled as delicately as possible)
-discussion of conception through rape (assault not witnessed by the reader)
-dehumanization
-tattooing for the purpose of incarceration/dehumanization
-murder (including children, though children's murders are not witnessed by the reader)
-gas chambers and crematoria (mentioned)
-corpses and mass murder
-starvation/emaciation
-smoking
-arson (mentioned but not witnessed by the reader)
-severe illness (typhus and mention of dysentery)
-hypothermia/freezing to death
-drinking/intoxication
-depression
-suicidal thoughts and actions
-severe PTSD
-strong language (in multiple languages)
-strong violence/gore
-on-the-page physical and psychological abuse/torture (one scene includes a strip search down to undergarments against a female minor)
-ableism, ageism, and sexism
-antisemitism and anti-Polonism (including racial/ethnic slurs)
-pro-Nazi rhetoric
-mild burns (cigarette burns inflicted for the purpose of torture)
-beatings, including floggings and severe scarring
-concentration/extermination camps
-forced nudity
-mention of rape/sexual assault/prostitution (not witnessed by the reader)
-one scene of sexual assault/attempted rape witnessed by the reader (rape of a female minor is intended but not carried out, and the scene is handled as delicately as possible)
-discussion of conception through rape (assault not witnessed by the reader)
-dehumanization
-tattooing for the purpose of incarceration/dehumanization
-murder (including children, though children's murders are not witnessed by the reader)
-gas chambers and crematoria (mentioned)
-corpses and mass murder
-starvation/emaciation
-smoking
-arson (mentioned but not witnessed by the reader)
-severe illness (typhus and mention of dysentery)
-hypothermia/freezing to death
-drinking/intoxication
-depression
-suicidal thoughts and actions
-severe PTSD
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