Today we talk about The First and the Last, a book by Sona Schmidt-Harris published with our Publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author, Sona Schmidt-Harris, to get to know her better, what particular moment of her life led her to the writing of her book The First and the Last, as well as if there is a book she is particularly attached to and which has taught her something.
- Is there a particular moment in your life that led you to the writing of your book? What was it?
I don’t think it was a particular moment in my life that led to the writing of my novel, The First and the Last. I think it was a slow burn, if you will, a culmination of moments and experiences. Living in both Utah and Manhattan influenced me. Most of the novel takes place in these locations. Additionally, I was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS or “Mormon”), so I was drawn to write female, Mormon-raised characters. Though I was a writer, I never actually sat down and wrote a novel until after I married late in life. There was something about that change that helped me to focus. Artistic creation has drawn me since I was a child, and I noticed as an adult, sometimes if I did not create, I became unwell. This theme permeates the book. I believe without creation, artistic types become imbalanced. Another theme that pulls me and I addressed in the book is why some people are victims, no matter what they have.
- What would say is the best audience of your book?
Probably those who enjoy character-driven novels. Also, those who enjoy lyrical language. I think that people raised in Utah or spent time in Manhattan would find it interesting. Individuals with an LDS background may also find it compelling; however, some would find it controversial. The First and the Last is ambitious, especially for a first novel, so for those who enjoy that kind of striving, it would likely be satisfying. Those who enjoy magical realism would be more drawn to it than most readers. There is an anorexic character in my book, Sarah. I describe the behaviours and psychology of her. Those drawn to family dynamics would find it interesting—especially sibling dynamics—the complexity of it—love, envy, support, and occasional flight from one another, and the inevitable arguments that ensue, especially between sisters. Those who enjoy literary fiction—who aren’t afraid to dive in there—who appreciate literary allusion, whether to a poem, short story, or lyrics of a popular song would appreciate this book.
- What would you like to hear from them?
I would like to hear if they became invested in the characters, or if they enjoyed the prose. I would also like to know if it made them look at art differently. Of course, I am interested if their perceptions were changed regarding LDS-raised characters. Also of interest, is their take on each major character individually: Cassandra, Sarah, Theo, Aditi, and others. I am curious as to which character they liked best and why. I am interested in knowing what they would like to see from me next—another novel? Poetry? Memoir? I am capable of writing everything I mentioned. Also of interest to me is what they thought of Chapter 18—a visionary experience. Most people don’t know what to make of it. Are they interested in more literary fiction? What did they think about the literary allusions? Of course, any praise is always welcome as well as constructive criticism.
- Is there a book you are particularly attached to and that has taught you something?
Yes. Shalimar the Clown by Salman Rushdie. I not only enjoyed it, it taught me how to be a better writer. Rushdie combined elements of lyrical language, plot, myth, character development, cultural identity, national identity, and religious identity. Not many novels do that. In my view, it is Nobel Prize material. By extension of my admiration of Rushdie as a writer, I also admire him as a human being. Many artists think they suffer for their art (including me; I can be a bit dramatic), but Rushdie is the real deal. He was literally almost stabbed to death for his creation. As a teenager, I loved The Prophet by Kahil Gibran. My mother gave me a copy, and I carried it in my rucksack with my textbooks in high school because it meant so much to me. Gibran combined poetry, religion, love, and mystical longing. As someone interested in Sufiism, he infused the spirit of it throughout his work.
- Are you working on a new writing project you can tell us about?
Yes. I am currently working on a memoir focused on time I spent with individuals. It is interesting to me that I met them in America, and they were both foreigners. Unfortunately, one of them is deceased. One was from Iran, and the other from Israel. I think that the influence of foreigners was instrumental in my choice to live abroad in Portugal. I find it fascinating that decades later, I see how they helped shape me. Both were deeply driven by philosophy and not practical concerns. I read most of what I wrote to the Lisbon Writing Group, and they seem to have enjoyed it immensely. I utilize more humour than I did in The First and the Last. There are tragic elements as well. I have also started a novel set in Lisbon entitled Strata. It is an interplay between the Portuguese and foreigners. Again, the cross-cultural connection—the nexus between people—draws me.
Europe Books thanks the author, Sona Schmidt-Harris, once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside her on the editorial path that led to the publication of her book The First and the Last. We wish her the best of luck for her future works.
To you, my readers, may you find this book compelling and enthralling; may it provide you with food for thought both for the written content and for the variety of characters, their complexities, and the interesting themes covered that the author leaves at your disposal for your personal reflections.
So, my dear readers, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your editor!