Exploring Truth, Fear, and Faith in

A Man Who Seemed Real

Author Q&A with Elizabeth Tebby-Germaine

What happens when deeply held beliefs are questioned? When the stories we tell ourselves begin to unravel? InA Man Who Seemed Real, Elizabeth Tebby-Germaine weaves a rich psychological drama that explores the nature of truth, faith, memory, and fear.

At the heart of the novel is Jonathan, a man whose inner struggles mirror universal questions about spirituality and self-discovery. Drawing from her own experiences and lifelong curiosity, Tebby-Germaine crafted a deeply personal and thought-provoking novel—one that raises as many questions as it answers.

In this exclusive Q&A with Literally, available for media use and syndication, the Gloucestershire-based author (Bishops Cleeve) shares the origins of Jonathan's character, the challenges of condensing a trilogy into a single novel, and how themes of belief, history, and mystery shape the story.

Q: What inspired you to create the character of Jonathan?
 

ETB: "Jonathan emerged unexpectedly during a creative writing class. His slightly bizarre behaviour and deep inner struggles made him stand out. As I developed his story, I realised his questions about biblical accounts and faith were ones I had been asking for years."

Q: Your novel was originally a trilogy. What did rewriting it as a single book teach you?
 

ETB: "It was a fascinating but challenging process. I had to condense material, strengthen key themes, and ensure continuity. The advantage was that I had ‘lived with' these characters for a long time. The transformation made me appreciate how deeply characters evolve over time."

Q: Themes of religion, spirituality, and fear are central to the novel. What do you hope readers take away?
 

ETB: "I didn't set out to teach a lesson—I wrote about what interested me. The fear of damnation and the historical treatment of those who questioned religious doctrines fascinated and horrified me. I hope readers will reflect on how belief systems have shaped history and continue to influence us today."

Q: How did your upbringing as a vicar's daughter shape the story?
 

ETB: "My early life felt idyllic, but as I grew older, I questioned everything. Reciting the Creed in church started to feel strange when I struggled with its meaning. Over time, I realised that writing this novel allowed me to explore those questions through Jonathan's journey."

Q: The novel touches on mystery and psychological intrigue. Was this intentional?
ETB: "Yes and no. I set out to explore Jonathan's personal journey, but themes of secrecy, power, and hidden truths naturally emerged. The ‘Games' in the Manor House, the press's curiosity, and even Jonathan's descent into something like madness all add to the sense of mystery."

Final Thoughts

A Man Who Seemed Realis a novel that challenges perspectives. It blends history, spirituality, and psychological intrigue, leaving readers to draw their own conclusions. Whether it sparks curiosity, debate, or deep introspection, it's a book that lingers in the mind long after the final page. Discover the novel today and explore the questions that lie beneath the surface of what we call ‘truth.'

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/51252212.Elizabeth_Tebby_Germaine

https://www.elizabethtebbygermaine.co.uk/
 
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