Tracy Buchanan
The Atlas of Us is a real weepy that tells the story of Louise, a woman who flies to Thailand to find her mother after the Boxing Day tsunami. She fears the worst when the only trace she can find is her mother’s distinctive bag. Inside is a beautifully crafted atlas owned by travel journalist Claire, the notes and mementos slipped in-between the pages charting how she coped after a life-altering revelation, and a tumultuous love affair.
As Louise treks across Thailand's scarred landscape, she uses Claire’s atlas to discover the connection between the two women, uncovering the secrets that nearly destroyed Claire and the man she loved in the process – the same secrets her mother has been guarding all these years …
How much has your background in journalism helped you to write fiction?
It’s been a huge help, particularly when it comes to editing. It’s so easy to just write, write, write with no inner editor when you’re in the flow of getting your ideas down on paper. But as a journalist, you have limited space for words so that’s really taught me how to edit all the fluff out. Well, most of it anyway. You need a little bit of fluff in a good emotional novel!
Please tell us a bit about being a travel editor- what is your most memorable trip?
My most memorable trip was to Serbia because it wasn’t the sort of place you’d usually visit. I loved the underground bars in Belgrade, supposedly set up so people could talk in private during the Kosovo War. And I had a gorgeous trip down the Danube to see a half-built hotel. The health and safety was a bit questionable as they used an old wooden chair to carry me from the boat to the river’s banks (!) but it was really quite beautiful. I’d totally recommend it for a weekend break that’s a little different. A few chapters of The Atlas of Us are based there so it was fun re-visiting it!
You still travel a lot so where is your favourite place to go?
The Greek islands. I’ve travelled all over from the warm shores of the Maldives to the freezing climes of Lapland but I don’t like going back to the same place twice as there are so many countries to explore. Apart from the Greek islands. They always draw me back again and again. They don’t cost an arm and a leg, the flight’s not too long and I always know I can really relax there. I’m hoping to visit again next year so if any of your readers can recommend an island other than those I’ve visited (Kos, Corfu, Rhodes, Crete), do leave a comment below.
How far would you personally go for the ones you love?
I’d give my last Rolo to them. Okay, maybe more than that! In truth, I’d go as far as it takes. I’d drop everything and sacrifice everything. This really hit me when I gave birth to my little girl, Scarlett. That fierce protective instinct to keep those you love safe. It’s a strong theme in The Atlas of Us… but I also explore how that desire to protect can be challenged sometimes.
This is your debut novel so was the process anything like you imagined it to be?
Working in journalism helped me get a bit of an insight into the process: the deadlines, the quiet moments and sudden crazy busy moments. The exciting moments too, like seeing your cover for the first time (similar to getting proofs back for a magazine or seeing your article go live online, but a zillion times more exciting unless it’s your first magazine or article!). I think as I draw closer to publication, I’ll be in for more surprises. Like reading reviews *bites nails*
Please tell us about the character of Louise.
As a full-time mum, Louise dedicates all her time to her two young daughters and husband. She’s compassionate and funny but feels a little lost, trying to figure out if there’s more to life than being at home with the kids all the time. When she sets out to Thailand alone, she’s completely out of her comfort zone, head buzzing with the heat, the accents and the horror of having to find her estranged mother after such a horrific disaster. She has to draw on reserves she never thought she had and reflect on what led to her becoming estranged from her mother. The more she travels, she more she begins to learn about her strengths and weakness... making her question her path in life.
What is next for you?
I’m putting the finishing touches to my next novel which is another weepy about a young female diver in search of her identity. I’m really excited about this novel because, like The Atlas of Us, it takes the reader to lots of different countries, above sea… and below. Watch this space!