Interview with Veronica Rossi for Rebel Spy

Rebel Spy

by Veronica Rossi
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Release Date: June 23rd 2020

Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction

Synopsis:

A reimagining of the story behind Agent 355--a New York society girl and spy for George Washington during the Revolutionary War--perfect for fans of Tatiana de Rosnay's Sarah's Key and the novels of Julie Berry.

Rebellious Frannie Tasker knows little about the war between England and its thirteen colonies in 1776, until a shipwreck off her home in Grand Bahama Island presents an unthinkable opportunity. The body of a young woman floating in the sea gives Frannie the chance to escape her brutal stepfather--and she takes it.

Assuming the identity of the drowned Emmeline Coates, Frannie is rescued by a British merchant ship and sails with the crew to New York. For the next three years, Frannie lives a lie as Miss Coates, swept up in a courtship by a dashing British lieutenant. But after witnessing the darker side of the war, she realizes that her position gives her power. Soon she finds herself eavesdropping on British officers, risking everything to pass information on to George Washington's Culper spy ring as agent 355. Frannie believes in the fight for American liberty--but what will it cost her? Inspired by the true "355" and rich in historical detail and intrigue, this is the story of an unlikely New York society girl turned an even unlikelier spy.

Can you briefly describe REBEL SPY and its characters? 

REBEL SPY is a YA historical fiction that occurs during the American Revolution. It’s based on a real female spy, who is known only as “355,” which was the code assigned to her. I wrote the story of who this spy might have been, using the existing knowledge we have of the spy ring she operated in.

Who would you say is your favourite character from the story and why?

Definitely the protagonist, Frannie. She’s got wit, bravery, and spunk—but she’s still sensitive and even a little naïve at the outset. She gets herself into trouble but she never gives up. I love her perseverance and passion.

How did the story occur to you? Did you find inspiration anywhere?

A few years ago I wanted to expand my knowledge of women in history. I stumbled across 355 in my searching and couldn’t get her out of my mind. And I never know where I’ll find inspiration—it can be the most unexpected thing sometimes, like a song, a glance from a passing stranger, the view out my window.

If you could choose one song to describe your book, which one would it be?

I really want to give you one song, but I can’t! What I can say is that my playlist for this book was full of songs by Basia Bulat, Agnes Obel, and Zoë Keating.

If your book was going to be made into a movie, who would play your characters?

Hmm. I would want unknowns, to be honest. But I am a huge fan of Timothée Chalamet’s and Millie Bobby Brown’s work.

What drink and place do you think will go with your book to have a perfect book date?

Definitely the beach and probably a glass of something sparkling! 

Can you recommend your readers any other books in case they are left hungry for more once they finish REBEL SPY?

There are so many wonderful works of historical fiction in YA. Stacey Lee is an incredible talent and lovely person and I have yet to not love one of her books. Julie Berry’s THE LOVELY WAR swept me away. The MY LADY JANE books are so much fun and MY CALAMITY JANE just released. I loved Mackenzi Lee’s GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE (like everyone, I know!) and I was blown away by the voice, creativity, and power of Justina Ireland’s DREAD NATION. I could really go on and on—those are the ones that are coming to me now. As for fiction, I’m currently finishing up Maggie Tokuda Hall’s THE MERMAID, THE WITCH, AND THE SEA—and it’s terrific.

What would you say is the most difficult part of writing a book?

The beginning. No, the middle. No, the end :)

What’s next for you?

Not sure yet, but it’s looking at this moment like I might be going back to speculative fiction—something along the lines of UNDER THE NEVER SKY, my first series.

VERONICA ROSSI is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the UNDER THE NEVER SKY series. She was born in Rio de Janeiro, grew up in California, and graduated from UCLA. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and two sons, one of whom just surpassed her in height. Find her online at veronicarossi.com or on Twitter at @rossibooks.