BooksChatter: ℚ The Chemist’s Shop [1]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Richard Brumer to talk about The Chemist’s Shop (23 June 2015, Limitless Publishing LLC, 308 pages) a Suspense Thriller.

Synopsis | Teaser | Author Q&A | About the Author | Tour Stops

Richard Brumer, thank you for joining us on BooksChatter.

What was the inspiration for The Chemist’s Shop?

"The story wrote itself from an idea that came to me in a moment. I saw the entire book in my head. Michael’s early life in Hungary—marrying Ilona—Keeping the tender love story of his dead wife throughout the book as reminiscences. Then meeting Stern, his plan to kill him, an in depth court trial and a powerful ending."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"Similar with respect to our basic natures and I could only imagine how I would react under such extreme circumstances. Michael (Earlier name Miklos) is a thinker. He is a caring, sensitive man until he is consumed with the idea of revenge, a departure from his basic nature but driven to seek revenge as a result of powerful forces."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for The Chemist’s Shop - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"The artist was someone selected by my publisher."

Why should we read The Chemist’s Shop and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"A story like this has never been written. Many books have been published based on the atrocities of the Holocaust but none like this. Only a few major scenes take place within the Auschwitz concentration camp. In essence it is a gripping psychological thriller wrapped around a love story."

Can you tell us something quirky about The Chemist’s Shop, its story and characters?

"I chose names I thought appropriate. The cruel SS officer’s name was Hans Stern—the name Stern says something about him. Michael’s original name was Miklos, his wife’s name, Ilona and their children Magda, Roza and Eva—typical Hungarian names"

Who would you recommend The Chemist’s Shop to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"One of my reviews sums this up. It was written by an award winning author and has given me permission to use her review.

By S.L. Menearon July 22, 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
The Chemist’s Shop is a gripping tale of revenge wrapped around a tender love story. It’s based on true world events that must never be forgotten. In fact, Brumer’s book should be required reading for all high school seniors and equivalent students worldwide. His vivid prose brings to life a dark time in human history and the emotional aftermath experienced by the survivors. It’s a harsh reminder of what can happen when good people fail to speak out against injustice. The final three sentences pierced me to my core and left my soul bleeding. It is a literary masterpiece in every sense of the word. "

If you could / wished to turn The Chemist’s Shop into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"Director: Steven Spielberg
Actors:
Michael as a young adult and later depicted as an older man: Johnny Depp
Hans Stern as a young SS officer: Ralph Fiennes—as older man, Max Von Sydow
Ilona is Scarelt Johansson."

What do you like to write and read about?

"My books span several genres from humor to serious books."

What is your writing process?

"I don’t use an outline. Think of a story—write it and edit along the way."

What is in store next?

"I plan to continue their story as a sequel and have set the scene for this to happen in the last chapter of The Chemist’s Shop"

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"I am a sailor and love the sea. I have sailed the north eastern part of the USA, The Florida Keys and the Bahamas and the South Pacific. Most of the time as a solo sailor"