Sandi Tan, recognized for her compelling contributions across various media, has recently released her new novel, "Lurkers" (Soho Press, $27). This marks her return to fiction after her debut novel, "The Black Isle" in 2012. In "Lurkers," Tan explores the lives of characters in Santa Claus Lane, a seemingly idyllic suburban neighborhood in Los Angeles, revealing their intricate connections in a style that blends episodic character studies with poignant surprises.
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Tan's approach to writing "Lurkers" was influenced by her own experiences living in Los Angeles. She observed that the suburbs often escape literary and cinematic appreciation due to their unremarkable qualities. She noted, "The suburbs of Los Angeles are so often neglected in literature and film because they are so seemingly impervious to adoration." For her, the individualism and bizarre charm of suburban life presented an opportunity to create compelling narratives by looking beyond surface appearances.
In a recent interview, Tan reflected on her writing process, emphasizing the evolution of her story. Initially, she began working on this novel in the mid-2000s amidst the lingering anxieties following 9/11. After revisiting the incomplete manuscript years later, she decided to finish it and ultimately sent it to her longtime editor Mark Doten, who accepted it for publication.
Although "Lurkers" primarily sidesteps direct references to the film industry, its influence pervades the characters’ lives as they navigate various narrative genres—ranging from snarky teen dramas to psychological horror. Tan’s fascination with the grotesque is evident throughout her works, where she finds beauty and humor in the unpleasant, though she humorously deflects questions about her stylistic choices.
When discussing the formats of her writing, Tan stated that her initial ideas often manifest as movies or television shows in her mind. However, practical concerns dictate the eventual form they take. She underscored her reasons for opting to write novels, such as the complexities associated with adapting her unique characters for screen narratives.
The title "Lurkers," which she explained as a preference for distinctive, easy-to-find titles, coincidentally aligns with her earlier documentary "Shirkers." Tan is currently engaged in several projects, including the screenplay adaptation of Elif Batuman's "The Idiot," which is progressing as film production begins to resume amid global changes.
Chelsea Spear has contributed to various arts publications and resides in Boston.