Nantucket Novelist Elin Hilderbrand Speaks to Over 300 During Library Series

AVALON – “The Queen of the Summer Novel,” Elin Hilderbrand, spoke at Avalon Elementary School gymnasium to an audience of more than 350 fans July 15. Hilderbrand, whose first name is pronounced “el-in,” appeared as part of the Avalon Free Public Library Summer Author Lecture Series. Her book, “The Rumor,” is in the top 10 of “The New York Times” Best Sellers List.
Growing up outside of Philadelphia, Hilderbrand spent many of her childhood summers on local beaches. She knew from an early age, that whatever occupation she chose, she wanted to spend her summers by the ocean.
In 1994 she moved to Nantucket year round and, choosing the quaint beach town as the locale for her novels, has managed to make her dream of beach living a reality.
“I’ve always liked stories set at the seashore,” said Elizabeth Bernstein of Stone Harbor. “Elin is one of my favorite authors. I’ve fallen in love with Nantucket through reading her books.”
Nancy Kenney of Avalon agreed. “I visited Nantucket while my husband was attending Boston College and I enjoy revisiting the area through Elin’s novels.”
Hilderbrand said the island of Nantucket is one of her strongest writing influences. She appreciates how, like other beach towns, it comes alive in the summer. She enjoys sitting on the beach, soaking up the sun while filling her notebooks with her newest novel in the making.
“I love towns that have this summertime culture,” said Hilderbrand. “Summer is perfect, beautiful. Nantucket is this piece of summer heaven that I just want to celebrate. My books celebrate summer. I love being known as ‘The Queen of the Summer Novel,’” she continued.
“Her books are great summer reads but they also have an underlying depth and are thought-provoking,” said Karen Mealy, who just finished reading “The Rumor.” “She has a good grasp on what women are feeling.”
Hilderbrand’s previous novel, “The Matchmaker,” featured a character with pancreatic cancer. While researching for that book, she spent a lot of time imagining how the character felt and how she might react if she were the character.
A few weeks before the book was published, Hilderbrand was diagnosed with breast cancer. She chose to share the cancer diagnosis with fans because she found it cathartic to be honest about her health.
Peggy Gust, one of about 20 breast cancer survivors in the audience, learned about Hilderbrand’s cancer while reading the author’s sketch on the back of “The Matchmaker.” “I’ve been a fan for years, but I found it really inspiring that she told her story,” she said.
“It’s so important for Peggy to have these types of role models who are open about their situations,” said Connie Malach.
“It is only through facing what threatens our entire being do we learn how wonderful it is to be alive,” said Hilderbrand.
“The Rumor” is Hilderbrand’s 15th novel.
To contact Heather Burns, email hburns@cmcherald.com.