The author reflects on formative reading experiences that significantly influenced their literary journey. From childhood memories of examining their grandmother's medical encyclopedias to discovering profound works like The Gulag Archipelago and The Glass Bead Game, each book left an indelible mark. The author’s travels through the USSR, inspired by histories written in Solzhenitsyn's work, culminated in their debut novel. Influences from Goat Song demonstrated the importance of mentorship as the author navigated the intricacies of narrative structure, shaping their evolving voice as a writer.
My grandmother's medical encyclopedias fostered my early curiosity, forcing me to decode dense annotations even while my fascination revolved primarily around the gruesome illustrations.
The Gulag Archipelago not only awakened my interest in Soviet history but also inspired extensive travels, collecting narratives from former officials that shaped my first novel.
The Glass Bead Game challenged my understanding of narrative structure, prompting me to explore non-linear storytelling and ultimately leading me to adapt my writing style.
Goat Song ignited my passion for writing, its banned nature and the intellectual companionship of an American professor demonstrating the profound influence of literary mentorship.
Collection
[
|
...
]