“You can’t just stand there like a statue.” Elvis’ response to accusations of vulgarity when he was just launching his career.
Earlier this week I found out that NPR chose The Orphanmaster as one of the six best historical fiction titles of 2012.
Yes! In the same league with Hilary Mantel, incredible.
“Jean Zimmerman’s The Orphanmaster is a rip-roaring read, packed with action and dark suspense,” went the review. “I was captivated by Zimmerman’s unforgettable evocation of New Amsterdam.”
Now, “rip-roaring,” that’s not standing there like a statue.
Jean Zimmerman 
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was fabulous for me to spend time in that world, and I’m glad you enjoyed it too.
I asked for The Orphanmaster for Christmas because it was on the NPR list. What an amazing job you did of bringing this setting to life. And your characters–so carefully drawn, and always true. I loved Blandine and Edward. All the other players were equally as fascinating–if not as likable! A wonderful love story and very satisfying ending. Thank you! Hope you’re working on a new book.
I agree with NPR. However, I don’t think your book, when plugged into an amplifier, would sound that much like Elvis.
Congratulations!