The narrative poignantly addresses the impact of the Hollywood blacklist during the McCarthy era, shedding light on the persecution faced by artists and writers suspected of communist affiliations, including notable screenwriters like Dalton Trumbo.

Clayton's writing process involved extensive local archival research, which deepened her appreciation for her new hometown, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, and enriched the novel's setting and atmosphere.

Meg Waite Clayton's latest novel, 'Typewriter Beach,' delves into the themes of McCarthyism through the intertwined stories of blacklisted screenwriter Léon Chazan, known as Leo, and his granddaughter Gemma, spanning two timelines: the 1950s and 2018.

Incorporating real historical figures such as Alfred Hitchcock, the novel also reflects on the treatment of women in Hollywood, exemplified by the character Isabella Giori, a struggling actress grappling with industry pressures.

Moreover, 'Typewriter Beach' serves as a commentary on the ongoing scrutiny of women in the entertainment industry, drawing parallels between historical challenges and contemporary issues like the #MeToo movement.

Gemma's journey mirrors her grandfather's as she endeavors to uncover her family's past while navigating her own career in the modern film industry.

The inspiration for 'Typewriter Beach' stemmed from Clayton's personal grief over her father's death, compounded by the isolation experienced during the pandemic, during which she penned the book.

Clayton has a notable history of weaving real events and figures into her narratives, as demonstrated in her previous works, 'The Race for Paris' and 'Last Train to London,' both of which focus on significant historical moments.