Alice Reuter Laby
Author Interview - Alice Reuter Laby
Author of The Secret War of Henry Rebbenoff
The Secret War is about a Jewish clergyman, Henry Rebbenoff. Cantor Henry has an operatic voice and he is fluent in several languages. The year 1937 is important in his life - he is hired by a prominent synagogue in Charleston, South Carolina. And he meets the woman of his dreams - Ada Tobias.
Cantor Henry volunteers for active duty right after Pearl Harbor. He is shipped off to England and learns to be a spy. During the war, Henry faces a critical challenge to himself, and to his loyalty to his family. We follow Henry as he comes to the ultimate decision.
Author Interview - Alice Reuter Laby
Author I draw inspiration from:
Elie Wiesel all of them!
Author Interview - Alice Reuter Laby | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book:
Anywhere there’s a bed, couch or chair!
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with:
My own character, Cantor Henry Rebbenoff! I am hoping I can convince him to sing some Hebrew prayers.
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author:
When I was touring Amsterdam, and started to write a romance novel.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook:
I prefer paperbacks because they are portable! I prefer a book to an ebook, which feels like anything but special. I’ve tried audio books in the car, but then I can’t concentrate on driving.
The last book I read:
The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel. I thought it was a bit predictable but still very engaging.
Author Interview - Alice Reuter Laby | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer:
Ah hah! My favorite subject! I write pen and paper first and then transfer to computer. I think I spend too much online time, it doesn’t help me think and create, but pen and paper does.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with:
In my first book Going Dutch, under my pen name Cassandra Dallas, I’d be best friends with Deena. She is talented but insecure. She does have a way with men, however.
Author Interview - Alice Reuter Laby | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a:
Always wanted to be a SINGER
Favorite decade in fashion history:
I loved the 1960s tie dyed shirts belle bottom jeans beads and long hair
Place I’d most like to travel:
High on my list is Warsaw Poland. I’ve started to write a book that takes place in the Warsaw Ghetto during World War 2
My signature drink:
Bubbly grape juice by the quart!
Favorite artist:
Marc Chagall, a Jewish artist that in a romantic way captured Jewish life in Russia in the early to mid twentieth century.
Number one on my bucket list:
Taking an intensive course on the history of Jews in Warsaw. My father was from Eastern Poland, now Ukraine, so I don’t think I would be able to visit there.
Anything else you'd like to add:
Would love to see Sicily one day. My guy’s family is from there.
About Alice Reuter Laby:
Author Interview - Alice Reuter Laby
I love Long Island, New York, where I was born and raised. I even went to college on Long Island, but ventured into NYC for a Masters Degree in Counseling. I have three sons three daughters in law and four grandchildren. My family all live within forty five minutes of me.
I’ve worked in the maritime industry, which afforded me a global perspective on life. I love meeting new people and finding out about what makes them tick!
And my man and I make each other happy. …..loved to sing like Ms. Streisand right now!
