Local Author Bonnie Park Talks Six Weeks for Boat Mail

Six Weeks for Boat Mail is the second in the WWII era trilogy, written by local author Bonnie Park and based on years of correspondence between her parents. “To me,” says Park, “these letters are their most significant legacy. I am grateful for the opportunity to champion this period in history and share their unusual story.”

Robin and Buster Park celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in June 2011, then both passed within ten months of each other. When the treasure trove of letters was discovered, Park learned so many new things about her folks. “I never knew they packed up and moved multiple times over two years, 1942 - 1943, fort to fort, as mandated by the Army,” Park explained. “I’d like to know how they felt about that, as well as the details surrounding war bonds, ration books, blackouts and the internment of American citizens of Japanese descent.”

The letters revealed aspects of her parents’ personalities. “Buster exhibits many of the characteristics of an only child – ambitious, achievement oriented, and especially close with his parents, Nat and Ethel. In Boat Mail, we learn Buster disliked ‘insisting’ and preferred Robin make her own decisions. Yet delayed gratification didn’t suit him, so he comes across as controlling.”

“With a Smith College diploma, Robin pushed back against gender stereotypes of the time, resisted Buster’s control, and fulfilled her desire for a ‘summer to play in,’ explains Park. “Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, patriotic fervor and the birth of their firstborn son, Robin’s consciousness leveled up to important responsibilities, but it didn’t crush her playful soul.”

Park’s own personality comes through in her use of an interjecting voice as she reveals an interesting gem of history and spontaneously comments to connect with the reader. “I found representation of the miracle balm, ‘Mother’s Friend’ hilarious,” says Park. “Childbirth relieved of pain and danger! Happy mothers and perfect children… shortens the time and agony of labor.”

In addition to information gleaned from the letters, Park has done an amazing amount of research to provide narration on world events, cultural trends, commercials, music and many other signs of the times that immerse a reader into the era.

What would Park like her readers from this era to know? “History is relevant. Evil world leaders still exist,” says Park. “Ask yourself, as Buster did, ‘Where is that co-operation of great and small which made democracy work by virtue of the very mass and excellency of ideas produced by people of all classes…’ Think on that.” Six Weeks For Boat Mail is available locally at Dolly’s, or may be ordered from any independent book store. Both paperback and Kindle formats are available on Amazon.