Author Interview : Richard Abbott, author of 'Half Sick of Shadows' (Part - 2)

Here is more to this very Interesting Interview, with Richard Abbott, author of 'Half Sick of Shadows'. Here, he explains how he relates the characters of the book to day to day lives, why he thinks there is a sudden surge in stories based on history and fantasy, and the book he is currently reading, and much more, Folks...

How would you relate the "lives" of the ‘Mirror’, and the people which the Lady meets to the lives today? Any similarities?

A lot of people these days feel cut off from the world by their job or the circumstances of life – just as though their experience was filtered through a Mirror.

Also, the frustration of being powerless and held back from direct action is very common. 

One reviewer saw The Lady’s situation as reflecting that of many women for whom their culture or family expectations prevent much expression of self-will. I’m sure The Lady’s outburst “I’m half sick of shadows” would be echoed by a lot of people.

How do you think your book is different from everyone else’s?

The Lady of Shalott

People usually treat The Lady of Shalott as simply a person of her own era, held by some sort of magic spell. 

I have given her a very different background, a much longer personal history, and an opportunity for a mysterious future which is usually denied her.

What was the most challenging part about writing this book?

I didn’t want to reveal too much about The Lady – who and what she is – too early on. 

But on the other hand I did want clues all the way through. So, juggling these two was challenging.

Why do you think there is a sudden surge in stories based on history and

Richard Abbott

fantasy, these days?

I think that in both those cases, people are looking for some dimension which seems missing from everyday things. A book set in the past offers a simpler life, usually on a smaller scale.

 

Fantasy offers a more powerful life, where wrongdoing can be challenged and people can develop unique powers. Either way, individual lives become more powerful and significant – qualities that many people don’t believe can be true of their normal situation.

Kim from Wikipedia

Rudyard Kipling from Wikipedia

Which book are you currently reading?

Right now, I’m about ¾ of the way through ‘Kim’, by Rudyard Kipling. 

So, I’m wandering around the northern half of India about 120 years ago!

You can Read the Review, the First Part of the Interview and Buy the Book right here, as well.