Mar 18, 2004
Q: Where did the idea for the novel originate? What research was required in terms of understanding Gordon's experience inside and outside of prison?
MMM: I was fascinated by the idea of culpability and guilt. How does so ordinary and decent a man as Gordon Loomis become involved in a murder and then how does he live with the consequences? How does he rationalize the wrong? Can he return to any kind of normal living? Beyond the nuts-and-bolts research, I did what a novelist does, I put myself in Gordon Loomis's head and heart.
