Since it began in 2011, the Miss Peregrine’s book series has captured the hearts of readers across the globe.
The first three fantasy novels sold millions of copies and even spawned a big-screen adaptation, directed by Tim Burton.
And now author Ransom Riggs is back with a brand new trilogy – again, within the peculiar universe – beginning with A Map of Days.
He spoke to Her about how Ireland inspired him during the writing process; his new book, A Map of Days, and why he decided to make Abe’s past the driving force in the novel; as well as his best advice for any writer hopefuls.
He said:
“I studied abroad in Ireland, at UCD. The misty bogs, the mountains and the landscape – that’s where the texture and atmosphere [of Miss Peregrine’s] came from.
“My love of Seamus Heaney and his bog poems also played a part [in inspiring the series]; his work is just so evocative and powerful.”
Although the series has now spanned four books – Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, Hollow City, Library of Souls and now, A Map of Days – it wasn’t always Riggs’ intention to continue it for so long.
He explained:
“I didn’t even know I was going to write a second book at the time I wrote the first one. I hadn’t ever set out to be a novel writer.
“Somehow, it caught people’s attention and people responded to it – and, thankfully, I was able to continue the story.”
A Map of Days – which begins a new trilogy in the peculiar universe – picks up with Jacob Portman now back where his story began: in Florida. However, Miss Peregrine and Emma – as well as the rest of their peculiar friends – are now with him, trying their best to blend in.
One day, they make a discovery that changes all that: a subterranean bunker that once belonged to Jacob’s grandfather, Abe. Soon, Jacob begins to learn more and more about the dangerous legacy that he inherited – as he uncovers clues about Abe’s double-life as a peculiar operative.
Jacob and his pals are soon pushed into a new world: an American peculiar landscape, with few ymbrynes and rules that none of them can understand. They must navigate the new wonders (and dangers) as they try and uncover the truth.
The decision to have Abe’s time in America as one of the focuses of A Map of Days was an easy one, according to Riggs – and had been something he had been hoping to explore all along.
He explained:
“I wanted to close the [Miss Peregrine’s] story without closing the door; I didn’t want to leave people hanging. I always thought that the Peculiar world was huge – and with the first three novels, I had only explored a little corner of it.
“I always wondered what [Abe] had been up to in America all those years. He was such a pivotal character [in the first trilogy] that I thought it was important [to continue his story].
“In fact, I purposely left his back story blank so that I could put together something fun.”
The author also offered his top piece of advice for anyone who is hoping to become a writer one day – or, well, his top three pieces of advice.
He said:
“First, read a lot of books – and not just in the genre you’re hoping to write in. Then, write as much as you can.
“Most importantly, though, finish what you start. You always have to when you’re a writer, you can’t just abandon your work.”
A good book can do just about anything; from taking you on a wild and fantastical adventure to making you feel like an all-knowing super sleuth (if you figure out the killer twist).
Every week at #Bookmarked, we will be taking you through some of our all-time favourite books – as well as the newest novels hitting shelves in Ireland.
