In a recent interview, author Andrew Krivak explored the themes of his fifth novel, "Mule Boy," which centers on Ondro Prach, the son of Slovak immigrants. At age 13, Ondro works in a Pennsylvania coal mine, guiding a mule to haul coal. He survives a 1929 mine disaster that claims the lives of four men, leaving him to grapple with the repercussions throughout his life. The novel has received acclaim from outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and NPR, being featured as an NPR "Book of the Day" and in the New York Times Book Review’s “What to Read Next.”

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Krivak, who was a National Book Award finalist for his previous novel, "The Sojourn," currently serves as a visiting lecturer on English at Harvard University. He resides in Somerville with his wife and three children.

In discussing why he felt compelled to tell this story, Krivak shared that his own familial history deeply influenced the narrative. His grandfather died in a mining collapse when Krivak's father was just three years old. He reflected on the haunting last moments shared between his grandparents, a scene that closely mirrors the father’s death in the novel. He explained how he has often contemplated the lasting impact of such losses on subsequent generations, emphasizing that the theme of inherited grief is central to his writing.

The title "Mule Boy" was inspired by a line from Wendell Berry's poem "Elegy," which speaks to the idea of lifting up those who came before us through love. Krivak noted that the mule in the novel serves as a significant motif, representing the burdens Ondro carries throughout his life, both joyous and tragic.

Although the protagonist remains haunted by the mine collapse, Krivak aimed to explore themes of memory and storytelling. He focused on capturing the oral traditions from his childhood, influenced by his grandmothers’ stories of their experiences, which shaped his approach to writing.

Notably, the book's unique format features no periods, promoting a continuous flow of thought reminiscent of spoken word, an element Krivak aimed to replicate. He acknowledged that elements of rhythm and pacing in his writing draw upon his musical background, which he developed before shifting his focus to literature.

In reflecting on the cultural backdrop of the novel, Krivak emphasized the strong Slovak heritage he grew up with, highlighting that food, work, and community were fundamental in shaping his upbringing. He shared anecdotes about his grandmothers speaking Slovak and the importance of these stories in his life.

Addressing contemporary issues, Krivak expressed his disapproval of nostalgia for coal mining, arguing against any political push to revive such practices. He pointed out that the skilled craftsmanship required in mining is often overlooked, and he honors the legacy of miners, emphasizing the heavy toll their work has taken on families throughout history.

Finally, when asked about the treatment of current immigrants, Krivak relayed that his grandparents instilled in him a sense of empathy for those perceived as different. He criticized the current political climate's handling of immigration, viewing it as a manipulation that neglects the struggles of those seeking a better life.

The conversation with Krivak revealed the deep connections between familial history, cultural identity, and the broader themes of loss and resilience that permeate his work.