María Dueñas - The Time in Between

FP:Many novels take place during World War II and yet you’ve done a wonderful job of taking a fresh approach. Can you tell us about it?

MD:WWII took place when Spain was immersed in post-Civil War reconstruction so many people think that the war had no effect on Spain. But this is not true. Our territory was coveted by Britain and Germany, and there was a lot of espionage in the country at that time. I also added a new ingredient to the traditional view of this period by incorporating a female character into the war game. I think the combination of both these things—an unexplored environment and a new type of heroine—is what sets The Time in Between apart.

“A wonderful novel, in the good old tradition, with intrigue, love, mystery and tender, audacious and well-drawn characters.”

“It’s exciting to find a deftly paced first novel with an engaging heroine, satisfying historical detail, and emotional balance. Love it!”

“ The Time in Between is an epic novel with an unlikely Spanish heroine, Sira Quiroga, that takes us through one of the most turbulent times in Europe: the onset of World War II. Sira travels on a journey through romance, love, loss, and intrigue, all while discovering traits that she never dreamed she had. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, and once I reached the end, I couldn’t wait to start it all over again!”

“Maria Dueñas is a true storyteller. She weaves a spell, conjuring the heat and the glamour, the hardship and the thrill of Morocco and Spain in the late 1930s. The world of Casablanca comes to life as war breaks and Sira Quiroga, a beautiful and betrayed seamstress, is forced to discover her own strength. At a time when everyone must do what they can to survive, some will go beyond. Resistance will be formed and history will be written. Read this book and prepare to be transported.”

“Engaging, romantic, vivid and captivating. Who knew a story about a seamstress in Spain could be so intriguing and captivating? If you love thick, juicy female-led novels that sweep you away from all sense of time and responsibility, you need to read The Time in Between by María Dueñas.”

“Evocative, tender and lush; a wonderful experience of times and lives in turmoil.”

“This thrilling debut is marked by immaculate prose and a driving narrative, establishing Dueñas as a writer to watch.”

“Packed with engaging characters, flawlessly researched, and breathlessly paced.”

“It is no surprise this debut novel was a runaway success in Europe. American fans of historical fiction looking for a dramatic, uncomplicated escape will be similarly entranced.”

“From a terrific opening line to the final page, chapters zip by at a pulsing pace.”

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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2009 by María Dueñas

English language translation © 2011 by Daniel Hahn Translated by Daniel Hahn

Originally published in Spain in 2009 by Ediciones Planeta Madrid

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, address Atria Books Subsidiary Rights Department, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.

Photo Credits

Part 1: Jorge E. San Roman/Wikimedia Commons

Part 2: Public domain image

Part 3: BudgetPlaces.com/Wikimedia Commons

Part 4: detengase/Wikimedia Commons

First Atria Books hardcover edition November 2011

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Designed by Dana Sloan

Manufactured in the United States of America

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Dueñas, María.

[El tiempo entre costuras. English]

The time in between: a novel / María Dueñas; translated by Daniel Hahn.

p. cm.

Summary: “The Time In Between follows the story of a seamstress who becomes the most sought-after couturiere during the Spanish Civil War and World War II”—Provided by publisher.

I. Hahn, Daniel. II. Title.

PQ6704.U35T5413 2011

863’.7—dc22

2011019250

ISBN 978-1-4516-1688-0

ISBN 978-1-4516-1690-3 (ebook)