Christine Lai, author of the newly released novel 'Landscapes,' shared her thoughts on the themes of her work during a recent conversation. Lai, a dedicated diary keeper, finds parallels between personal journals and archives, suggesting that both serve as dialogues with the self. In her book, the narrator, Penelope, is not only a diarist but also an archivist, tasked with organizing an art collection in a dilapidated estate. This role leads her to confront a complex past intertwined with art, beauty, and ruins.
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Setting her novel in a near-future scenario, Lai reflects on ruins as both symbols of despair and potential rebirth. She draws inspiration from her own fascination with ancient structures and literature that explores the theme of ruination. In an exchange with Amanda Inman, Lai emphasized her belief that the beauty of ruins coexists with their histories of destruction, a concept she incorporates throughout 'Landscapes.'
Inman noted the archival elements in the novel, which Lai saw as essential for building a rich narrative world. These descriptions not only reflect Penelope's memories but also resonate with themes of decay and memory. Lai explained that she aimed for the physicality of the objects in the story to mirror both the world outside and Penelope's inner journey.
The conversation then shifted to Mornington Hall, the estate central to the story. Lai's inspiration drew from classic country house novels, while she also referenced photographers who capture the haunting beauty of abandoned places. This dichotomy of beauty and destruction is a recurring motif in her narrative.
As they discussed characters, Lai described Julian, a figure in 'Landscapes' who embodies a drive to erase his past. His contrasting perspective on art, focused more on possession than appreciation, creates tension with Penelope's more profound engagement with artistic expression.
Lai shared her love for diary-form writing, citing examples from other authors and describing how she values the open-endedness that this format allows. Although she does not keep a traditional diary, she maintains notebooks and enjoys collecting various items that resonate with her personally, such as vintage postcards.
Reflecting on the publication of her debut novel, Lai expressed both excitement and apprehension about its reception and how readers might interpret it. She noted that some readers see parallels between her and Penelope, which she found both surprising and enlightening.
Ultimately, Lai looks forward to the discussions her book will inspire and values the connections it fosters with other writers and readers.