Paul Yoon, a novelist known for exploring complex human emotions, presents a fresh take in his new novel 'Etna,' which was released on August 4. The book follows a combat dog named Etna as he navigates a devastated landscape after serving in a war, embodying a story that reflects on humanity's impact on the world through the eyes of an animal.
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Yoon, who previously authored 'Snow Hunters' and 'Run Me to Earth,' often addresses the darker aspects of humanity in his works. At the recent Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, where he shared excerpts from 'Etna,' he hinted at the inspiration drawn from his own dog, Oscar. He expressed a growing exhaustion with human narratives, leading him to imagine the dog's perspective instead.
In a conversation with Chris Knapp, Yoon revealed that his journey as a writer has shifted towards exploring animal consciousness, emphasizing a narrative style devoid of human judgment. The novel invites readers to see the destruction left by humans through Etna’s experiences, showcasing a blend of personal memory and loss through the character’s observations.
Yoon's approach in 'Etna' also involved structuring the narrative to accentuate scent and physical proximity, as well as creating a unique dialogue among animals, differentiating from typical human storytelling. He remarked on the delicate balance of portraying Etna’s feelings without overt anger towards the human world.
The setting of 'Etna' resonates with Yoon’s personal history, particularly the absence of family members affected by the Korean War. This backdrop adds depth to his exploration of loss and survival, themes he has engaged with throughout his writing career. The novel serves as a vehicle for Yoon to process these themes, reflecting his creative evolution in addressing the legacies of war and the complexities of existence.