Fiona Davis, a New York Times bestselling author, explores her passion for historical fiction woven with real New York City landmarks. She discusses her unique Boston book club that celebrates her work through location tours. The conversation touches on the allure of modern celebrities like Kim Kardashian intersecting with history, and the meticulous research behind her narratives. Fiona shares insights into her creative process, from juggling multiple plotlines to overcoming writer's block, and reveals exciting plans for an upcoming book tour.
The inspiration for The Stolen Queen stemmed from a viral image of Kim Kardashian, blending contemporary culture with historical artifacts.
Fiona Davis's extensive research revealed that only 6% of the Metropolitan Museum's collection is displayed, enriching her novel's narrative depth.
Deep dives
The Inspiration Behind The Stolen Queen
The concept for The Stolen Queen originated from a viral photo of Kim Kardashian at the Met Gala, where she stood next to a gold-covered sarcophagus recently acquired by the museum. This intriguing blend of contemporary pop culture and historical art sparked a deeper investigation into the story of the sarcophagus, which had been robbed, leading to an investigation revealing forged export papers. This narrative underlines the tension between modern celebrity and ancient artifacts, giving the author an engaging entry point into the historical fiction genre. Although Kim Kardashian is not featured in the book, her presence at the gala highlights the cultural collisions that serve as a backdrop for the story's events.
Exploration of the Met's Hidden Histories
Fiona Davis's research involved extensive behind-the-scenes explorations of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, uncovering its labyrinth of artifacts stored away from public view. For instance, she discovered ancient tunnels and the staggering fact that only 6% of the museum's 1.5 million objects are displayed at any time, emphasizing the vast history that lies beneath the surface. This deep dive into the inner workings of the museum not only enriches the narrative of her book but also weaves in real stories tied to various artifacts. The experiences from her tours with museum personnel provided insights that enhanced the authenticity of the characters and settings within the novel.
Interwoven Themes of Feminine Experience and History
The Stolen Queen explores complex themes including the relationships between mothers and daughters, as well as female friendships, while highlighting women's often overlooked contributions to history. The protagonist, Charlotte, has a backstory that intertwines with historical events and figures in the Egyptian art world, creating a multi-layered character motivated by personal tragedy and ambition. The narrative also presents the idea of reclaiming erased histories, depicted through the character of Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh whose story was obscured by time. This exploration serves not just as a backdrop for a thrilling heist narrative, but also invites a reflection on how history has often sidelined women's voices and contributions.
New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis returns to the podcast to discuss her utterly addictive new novel, THE STOLEN QUEEN, transporting us from New York’s most glamorous party to the labyrinth streets of Cairo. Fiona shares how a viral photo of Kim Kardashian inspired this story and then describes her fascinating research, from tours of the Met’s secret tunnels to interviews with security guards and Egyptologists. She also delves into her book’s themes of female friendships, mother-daughter relationships, and the ethics of artifact repatriation—and then teases her next project!