Lynn Austin, a popular author known for her Christian Historical Fiction books, has released a new novel called Chasing Shadows. This novel is already receiving great reviews. Lynn has won eight Christy Awards and has been inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame. One of her novels, Hidden Places, was even adapted into a Hallmark Channel movie.
In Chasing Shadows, Lynn draws inspiration from Dutch art and artists. She shares how art, especially by Vincent van Gogh, influences her creativity. Van Gogh, her favorite Dutch artist, not only inspires her with his art but also with his personal story, including his struggle with mental illness and his strong Christian faith.
Lynn believes creativity needs nurturing, and for her, viewing great art refreshes her inspiration. She often visits Dutch art museums like the Mauritshuis, the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. These visits fill her with creative energy, especially the serene landscapes and deeply emotional portraits.
Her new novel, Chasing Shadows, is set in the Netherlands during World War II. The story follows the lives of three main characters, Lena, Miriam, and Ans, whose lives are turned upside down by the Nazi invasion. Lynn tried to capture their fear and grief authentically, much like how Rembrandt’s portraits showcase deep emotion.
Rembrandt’s approach to painting, particularly in Return of the Prodigal Son, inspires Lynn. She keeps photographs of characters on her desk to help visualize their emotions and expressions, much like the diverse faces in Rembrandt’s The Night Watch. Detailed research also plays a crucial role in her writing, helping to bring historical events to life.
Lynn admires Vermeer for his attention to everyday details, as seen in his painting Girl with a Pearl Earring. The ordinary aspects of life that Vermeer captures provide vivid details for her storytelling. Faith, a common theme in her novels, also resonates in her work as she illustrates the courage and strength of people during difficult times.
Another influential artist for Lynn is Peter Paul Rubens, known for portraying faith through his paintings. His work Old Woman and Boy with Candles beautifully illustrates how a small light can shine in dark times, a theme Lynn hopes to convey in her novel as well.
Van Gogh, famous for Sunflowers and Starry Night, deeply influences Lynn. Despite his struggles with mental illness, his work is filled with vibrant color and emotion. His Christian faith and compassionate nature further inspire Lynn to delve into her characters’ backgrounds and motivations. Van Gogh’s life story, including his time as a missionary and his dedication to helping others, echoes in Lynn’s writing.
In Chasing Shadows, Lynn explores similar themes of darkness and light, courage, and faith through her characters’ experiences during Nazi persecution. The novel highlights how love can be a powerful motivator for courageous acts.
Chasing Shadows tells the story of three women in the Netherlands during WWII. Lena, a mother and wife, struggles to stay true to her faith amid life-and-death decisions. Her daughter Ans, who moves to Leiden and becomes involved in Resistance work, faces the harsh realities of fighting the enemy. Miriam, a young Jewish violinist who sought safety in Holland, finds her new home tested in unimaginable ways.
The Nazi invasion forces these women onto paths that intertwine in surprising and sometimes heart-wrenching ways. Their story showcases the resilience of the human spirit and the power of faith and love to sustain us through the toughest times.
Lynn Austin has sold over 1.5 million books worldwide. A former teacher, she now writes and speaks full-time, having won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction. One of her novels, Hidden Places, was made into a Hallmark Channel movie. Lynn lives in western Michigan with her husband and has three grown children.
