Born and raised in Dorchester, MA, Dennis Lehane is one of today’s most acclaimed and well-known writers. With fourteen novels and one short stories collection published, his crime-fiction and mysteries have captivated millions of readers worldwide and won him numerous recognitions and awards. His books, translated into over 30 languages, are available in bookstores and libraries around the globe. Best known for his gritty and authentic crime novels set in Boston, many of which have been adapted into films, including Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone, and Shutter Island, Dennis Lehane has also written for several television shows such as The Wire, Boardwalk Empire, and Mr. Mercedes. Currently, serving as creator and writer for Apple TV+’s upcoming crime drama series, Smoke, Dennis Lehane took time and provided his responses to my questions in celebration of National Mystery Month this May:
1. What role did the Boston Public Library play in your life growing up in Dorchester, MA?
A pretty big role. When I was very young, my mother noticed how much I liked to read and took me to the Uphams Corner Branch Library to get my library card. I was in first or second grade. For a kid from the working class, a library card is like a ticket to explore the entire world. For free. I can't overstate what that meant to me. I certainly would never have become a writer without the Uphams Corner Branch and (later) the Central Library in Copley Square. I owe my career to libraries and librarians (and my Mom, good ol' gal that she was.)
2. You had served as a member of the Trustees of the BPL from 2011 to 2015, what were some memorable moments during your tenure?
I don't think I can single out a moment. It was an overall feeling of such good will and fellowship. In terms of the other trustees, I was in the presence of great citizens of Boston who believed, as I did, in the mission of the library — in outreach, in literacy and access to knowledge for all, regardless of skin color or social status. I felt honored to work with my fellow trustees, all of whom I held in great esteem. It was heartbreaking for me to resign but it was the price I had to pay for becoming an Angeleno.
3. The BPL owns many of your books for our patrons to borrow. Which titles are you most proud of?
If I were forced to choose, I like Mystic River, Small Mercies, The Given Day, and The Drop the best.
4. Many of your books are bestsellers; other than the number of copies sold, how do you determine success with each new book's release?
Sales have nothing to do with it. Success of the book is determined by how I feel when I've finished the final draft, which is usually the third draft. Then I can look at the book and ask myself, "How honest is it?" and "How close did I get to transposing what was in my head to the page?" And finally, "Does it have a chance to endure? Is there a chance it'll be around after I'm gone?" What happens after that is wholly out of my hands. So it would be insane to concern myself with it.
5. What are the odds the Boston Public Library will serve as a setting for a scene in a future novel of yours?
I don't know. First, I have to find out if I have another book in me. Then I'd have to see if the story would lead me to the BPL. I would love to set a scene in Bates Hall or the Courtyard, of course, but we'll just have to see.
A complete list of books written by crime/mystery writer Dennis Lehane and the movies based on his works.
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