by J.M. Landon

This week we have a review of a very interesting and different sort of historical novel with a bit of mystery and adventure in it–The Secret War of Julia Child. We also have an interesting interview with its author Diana R. Chambers. Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the book and a link to purchase it from Amazon.

The Secret War of Julia Child By Diana R. Chambers
Reviewed by J. M. Landon

In this book you travel with Julia Child (nee McWilliams) back in time and across the South-East Asian theatre of World War II. The story begins in December 1943, in Washington, D.C. and ends in August 1945 at the conclusion of World War II.

Julia was too tall, at 6’2”, to be accepted in the WACS or the WAVES and too smart to sit out the war in her comfy Pasadena home, so she applied and was accepted into the OSS Registrar Office. There she became privy to secret communications which she brought to her commander’s attention, earning his trust which led to her travels through Asia.

From Washington, D.C. she was stationed in Bombay, India to Colombo, Ceylon where she met her husband-to-be, Paul Child, an artist who created detailed, hand-drawn maps. Julia goes on several secret and dangerous missions, with and without Paul. She is almost blown up, almost run through with a bayonet, and lost in the jungle. Mind you, this is historical fiction, but so well researched and presented you can hear the mud go squish under her feet and smell the scent of exotic flowers of the region. Bright, colorful birds make appearances as well as elephants. You learn about the cultures of India, China, and even Japan and taste the delicacies of those cultures. All submersing you in the time and place of Julia’s adventures.

There are some poignant quotes attributed (fictionally) to Julia. After experiencing the death of a native to whom she had grown close she said, “I guess that’s what war is – countless human stories, most of which we can never know. But their stories are now mine. Mine to carry.” And “War is an ugly beast.”

You don’t just read this book; you experience it alongside Julia. Diana R. Chambers who traveled these roads through these countries, uses her immersive research and writing to transport you there as the characters become part of your life as well. An excellent read!

J.M. Landon is retired and blissfully at work on the ‘great American novel.’ She’s worn many hats through her career including: wife, mother, piano teacher, middle school teacher, university professor, painter, jewelry maker, and dragon tamer. She has eight published short stories.

Interview with Diana R. Chambers:

KRL: How long have you been writing?

Diana: I began with travel articles, then wrote my first script about thirty-five years ago. At some point my characters asked for their own novels.

KRL: When did your first novel come out, what was it called, and would you tell us a little about it?

Diana: Based on an earlier script, Stinger came out around 2005 and takes place during the Soviet-Afghanistan war of the eighties when a covert CIA officer, a San Francisco journalist, and an Afghan resistance leader form a mysterious triangle.

KRL: Have you always written mysteries/suspense and if not, what else have you written?

Diana R. Chambers

Diana: I’ve always had a fondness for spy stories, which always have mysterious and/or secret elements.

KRL: What brought you to choose the setting and characters in your latest book?

Diana: The Secret War of Julia Child came to me. Ten years ago, I read that during WWII, Julia Child had served with the OSS in India and China, both big parts of my life. OSS—the Office of Strategic Services—America’s first espionage agency! I was all in!

KRL: Do you write to entertain or is there something more you want the readers to experience from your work?

Diana: You have to tell a good story, make your readers want to turn the page. My stories are always set in international locations, and I always want to communicate something about the cultures and histories of these lands.

KRL: Do you have a schedule for your writing or just work whenever you can?

Diana: I’m kind of compulsive. I usually write every day—unless I’m traveling or preparing for a book launch!

KRL: What is your ideal time to write?

Diana: I used to prefer mornings, which is still the best. But now I work WHENEVER I CAN!

KRL: Do you outline? If not, do you have some other interesting way that you keep track of what’s going on, or what needs to happen in your book when you are writing it?

Diana: I used to use 3×5 cards, but I began to feel hemmed in and soon had to allow space for the story and characters to evolve.

KRL: Did you find it difficult to get published in the beginning?

Diana: Yes. Like my character, Julia Child, you have to work doggedly and believe.

KRL: Do you have a great rejection/critique or acceptance story you’d like to share?

Diana: I know I’ve blocked a lot. But in September People magazine named The Secret War of Julia Child one of its most anticipated Books for Fall, a Must-Read. That was beyond my imagination.

KRL: That’s amazing! Most interesting book signing story-in a bookstore or other venue?

Diana: I met my agent, Pamela Malpas, for the first time in-person, at my Book Passage-Corte Madera launch last night! It was sweet.

KRL: What are your future writing goals?

Diana: I have ideas for two more novels, both of which draw me in different ways.

KRL: Who are your writing heroes?

Diana: Ann Patchett. Richard Powers.

KRL: What kind of research do you do?

Diana: I read widely and deeply, immersing myself in the period, place, and characters’ backgrounds. And I travel to the story’s settings in order to “feel” the place.

KRL: What do you like to read?

Diana: Fiction, often in distant lands, historical or not. I am inspired by beautiful writing, unusual perspectives, wit, compassion. I love good immersive stories.

KRL: What are your favorite TV shows or movies?

Diana: Long-form television with great character development. The Morning Show, The Diplomat. Pachinko. (Of course, Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones.) Shogun is top of my To-Be-Viewed list.

KRL: Have you any advice for aspiring or beginning writers?

Diana: READ. Keep at it. Accept the disappointments. Be stubborn. Elevate your craft. Persevere.

KRL: What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

Diana: That I’m really shy and retiring…

KRL: Do you have any pets?

Diana: A few years ago, I lost my BFF Daisy Mae. I miss her every day. But our cat, Marco Polo, is a good boy—and growing on me.

KRL: Is there anything you would like to add?

Diana: Thanks for offering me the opportunity to reflect on these questions, see my life in overview.

KRL: Where can our readers find you online?

Diana: dianarchambers.com; Instagram: @dianarc1; Bluesky: @dianarchambers.bsky.social; Facebook: DianaRChambersAuthor; Twitter: @DianaRChambers

You can click here to purchase this book.

To enter to win a copy of The Secret War of Julia Child, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Julia Child” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen November 16, 2024. U.S. residents only, and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address as well in case you win. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

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