Hannah Regel's debut novel, The Last Sane Woman, was released this week. The book tells the intertwined stories of three women from different decades, including Nicola, who is several years post-art degree and becomes captivated by the correspondence between potter Donna and her friend Susan. While it is marketed as a tale of art and envy, Regel describes it more accurately as a “crisis of desire.”
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Originally a fine artist, Regel transitioned to poetry and then fiction, noting that her writing seemed to resonate more with audiences. In a conversation in London, Regel discussed the first-person narrative's limitations, her inquiries into the UK Arts & Crafts movement, and the eccentricities tied to class.
Regel initially created a poetry pamphlet alongside her sculptures during her studies. Over time, her writing took precedence as it felt more authentic, especially since her artistic endeavors struggled to gain traction.
The setting of her novel is predominantly London, where she has lived for many years. Regel commented that while it reflects her personal experiences, the narrative also encapsulates broader aspects of English society.
The novel is framed around themes of art, envy, and friendship, but Regel emphasizes it delves into longing rather than mere envy. She describes the dynamics among the characters as watchful and filled with judgment, highlighting a conflict within their desires.
Regel expressed that the creative process serves as a metaphor for life, presenting it as a solitary journey where individuals often do not understand how they are perceived by others. This encapsulates what she calls “the great horror of life”—the fundamental unknowability of both oneself and others.
The structure of The Last Sane Woman is notable, featuring three women portrayed through different lenses: one living, another reading about her after her death, and the third observing events unfold. These overlapping perspectives enhance the themes of observation and misunderstanding inherent in human relationships.
Regel's exploration of humor is evident in her writing style. She values a sense of humor and believes it enriches characters and situations, making even mundane depictions of class dynamics amusing rather than dire.
Pottery emerges as a central motif, symbolizing the malleability of both art and life. Regel linked this with the permanence of archived memories, creating a juxtaposition between the transient and the fixed. She highlighted that her archival research into the Arts and Crafts movement provided insight into how it shaped artistic lifestyles, particularly for women, during that era.
Moving forward, Regel is working on a new novel centered on her father’s Indian family, building on themes of relationship complexities and cultural identities. She reflected on the emotional intricacies involved in capturing characters who resonate with personal experiences and societal observations.