“Beyond the Ghetto Gates” is Michelle Cameron’s third published book. She is also a partner in The Writers Circle, teaching creative writing to writers of all ages. In this interview, we discuss historical fiction, why Cameron focuses on less popular moments in history, writing from multiple points of view, and how The Writers Circle changed its focus to online courses in the age of COVID.
“Beyond the Ghetto Gates” is set during Napoleon Bonaparte’s Italian campaign of 1796 to 1797. Jews living in Italy are oppressed, subject to strict rules and locked within their ghetto at night. Revolutionary France had extended full citizenship to Jews, and Napoleon brought that to the areas he conquered. The heroine of Cameron’s novel also faces sexism within her religion, and an uphill battle to find true love.
Caroline and I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation with Michelle, and we learned a lot about a time in history which is often overlooked.
The thing about being a historical novelist is, you need the history, but you need an engaging enough story to hold your reader.
We’re all in the middle of a difficult place right now. All through history there have been situations that affect people worldwide. So join in faith with the many who say ‘This too shall pass.’
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