Local Author Finds Inspiration in a Pulitzer Prize-Winning Novel

Local​ author Tom Hitchcock, author of seven novels, describes a life-changing experience reading John Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “All the Light We Cannot See.” The popular book takes place during World War II and was later made into a movie. Hitchcock was struck by the lyricism and artistry of the author’s writing style. The experience inspired Hitchcock’s latest book, “LifeLine.”

Coincidentally, Hitchcock had come across a lesser-known corner of World War II history. The small corner of history centered around a small town in Tidewater, Virginia​. The town was home to a concentration of merchant seamen. The merchant seamen suffered disproportionately in World War II when German U-boats​ began sinking dozens of ships off the U.S. East Coast and the North Atlantic. Hitchcock says the artistry of Doerr’s narrative became an inspiration for his novel. “What if I could use narrative and created characters and stories not just in Mathews [Virginia] but in settings on both sides of the Atlantic?” He focused on families in the U.S., England, and Germany who wanted no part of the violence and trauma of World War II.

The idea eventually led to his latest novel, entitled “LifeLine.” The book’s subtitle is, “A Novel of Loss and Survival.” As the stories unfold, events include fateful clashes at sea and in the air over Europe.

At 285 pages, “LifeLine” will go on sale on February 7​, at The Book Loft and Story & Song, as well as online as an e-book and in paperback. Hitchcock plans to introduce the novel at the Amelia Island Book Festival on March 1. A book signing event is scheduled for March 8 at The Book Loft. Hitchcock welcomes opportunities to talk to book clubs and groups. Visit TomHitchcockWrites