Midwest Farm Crisis Takes Center Stage in Nora Lange’s Debut Novel, “Us Fools”
Table of Contents
- Midwest Farm Crisis Takes Center Stage in Nora Lange’s Debut Novel, “Us Fools”
- Unpacking the Complexities of Family and Crisis in a New Novel
- Author Explores Contradictions of the American Dream in new Novel
- Author Katya apekina on ‘Mother Doll’ and the Pursuit of the Writer’s Dream
- Author Interview: Priyanka Mattoo on “Bird Milk & Mosquito bones”
Nora Lange’s debut novel, Us Fools, plunges readers into the heart of the 1980s farm crisis in the American Midwest. This isn’t your typical ancient fiction; Lange crafts a darkly comedic and deeply moving story centered around two sisters,Joanne and Bernadette Fareown,whose lives are inextricably linked to the fate of their family farm.
The sisters, homeschooled and largely self-reliant, find solace in the unlikely combination of Virginia Woolf and daytime television, a stark contrast to the turmoil unfolding around them. Their parents’ struggles with debt and the pressures of the failing farm create a backdrop of constant tension and uncertainty. The novel explores themes of sisterhood,resilience,and the lasting impact of economic hardship on families and communities.
In a recent interview, Lange described the genesis of the novel: “What happened first was I heard these two voices. And they were saying different things—these two sisters. at the time, I was really into sound art. I was already doing a lot of audio stuff. So, it started with them and their dynamic and their relationship.And then I built a world around that.”
Lange’s choice of setting is no accident. Having lived in Illinois and with family roots in the Midwest, she explains her connection to the region: ”I wanted a place to put them. I lived in Illinois for college and afterward. My parents are from the Midwest, and I would spend a lot of time going back to see family. I was always drawn to the place. Us Fools was a way for me to explore that place further.”
the novel’s narrative is described as “a tragicomic tale about sisterhood in a very real, recent slice of American history.” The unpredictable nature of the story is captivating: “THERE’S A WILDNESS to Nora Lange’s prose, an unpredictable careening. You think you know where things are going until you don’t.You’re laughing, and then you get slapped across the face. You’re crying, and then you get tickled.”
Us fools, published by Two Dollar Radio in 2024, is a 340-page exploration of family, survival, and the enduring spirit of the American heartland during a time of profound economic upheaval. It’s a story that resonates deeply with the challenges faced by rural communities across the United States, even today.
Unpacking the Complexities of Family and Crisis in a New Novel
A new novel delves into the intricate relationship between family dynamics, economic hardship, and violence, drawing striking parallels between the 1980s farm crisis and contemporary economic anxieties.The author masterfully weaves a narrative that resonates with intimacy and immediacy, leaving readers grappling with the profound impact of societal pressures on individual lives.
The book explores the stark realities of a family grappling with both physical and emotional violence. “There’s the literal violence in the house,” the author explains,”There’s the way sex and violence for their parents are intertwined.” This interwoven depiction of trauma underscores the lasting impact of such experiences on family members.
Beyond the immediate family drama, the novel draws compelling connections between past and present economic crises. The author notes, “For sure—yeah. I think that’s why I decided to hold on to it and explore it. Researching the farm crisis highlighted other parallels.It was like a string of Christmas lights: just, wow. Lots of stuff. Russia, food prices…” This observation highlights the cyclical nature of economic instability and its far-reaching consequences.
The author’s immersive writng style aims to create a sense of closeness and intimacy for the reader. “What I wanted was the kind of closeness and intimacy—like you’re tucked away with these characters—that I feel when I listen to things,” they share. “In audio, I feel a closeness. I wanted to emulate that in the writing: a feeling of closeness to something.”
The narrative also incorporates elements of absurdity and art, using various cultural touchstones to illustrate deeper themes. “Whether that’s using a particular painting to talk about a particular dynamic or a particular food product to talk about a particular ideal or dream (or the sensation of being hungry),” the author explains, “Or television to talk about gender dynamics.” This multifaceted approach enriches the narrative and allows for a nuanced exploration of complex issues.
When asked about the overarching theme, the author describes the novel as “a book about America,” adding, “And it came out of being sort of exasperated with myself, trying to figure out how to have a nice sound bite to present.” This succinct description belies the novel’s depth and complexity, hinting at a broader commentary on the American experience.
The author acknowledges the novel’s violent nature, prompting further reflection on the pervasive impact of violence within the family and broader societal contexts. The author’s willingness to engage with these difficult themes makes the novel a powerful and thought-provoking read.
This novel offers a compelling exploration of family, violence, and economic hardship, prompting readers to confront uncomfortable truths about american society. Its intimate style and insightful commentary make it a important contribution to contemporary literature.
In a recent interview, acclaimed author [Author’s Name] delved into the complexities of their latest novel, a gripping family drama that tackles themes of domestic violence, sibling relationships, and the ever-shifting definition of the American Dream. The novel, [Novel Title], has garnered significant attention for its unflinching portrayal of difficult realities and its nuanced exploration of the american experience.
The author’s writing style has been described as stark and jarring, a deliberate choice to reflect the turbulent lives of the characters. When asked about the perceived violence in their prose, [Author’s Name] responded, “I certainly wouldn’t have wanted it to feel like an accosting violence in the writing. Not my intention. I think there’s maybe sometimes a starkness to the language.My intention isn’t for people to feel violence in the language,but there is violence that does take place in the book between characters.” Instead of focusing solely on the language itself, the author explained that the impact comes from the “juxtaposition of images. It’s things that don’t belong with each other butting up against each other. Like being hit on the side of the head.”
The novel features a complex relationship between two sisters, Joanne and Bernadette, whose experiences navigating life in America are central to the narrative. Their perspectives, shaped by their travels and readings, offer a unique lens through which to examine the nation’s identity. [Author’s Name], who has lived abroad extensively, shared their own perspective on the american experience: “Once I lived elsewhere, even when I came back, I never totally felt like the country belonged to me. It was weird—like, I knew I was American; I was born here and stuff. But I also felt, because I lived away for a while, like I’d never reintegrate in the same way. And that was fine.”
The interview also touched upon the sensitive topic of naming a character after the interviewer’s daughter. The author offered a sincere apology, stating, “I loved the name … And that was that. yeah. Sorry. Nothing engaging there, but I should have said something. I just think the name is so beautiful, you know?”
the conversation turned to the elusive concept of the “American Dream.” [Author’s Name] reflected, “My gosh. I guess it feels like a contradiction. And I feel like maybe that goes back to that other question about disruption or violence—there seems to be a contradiction at play, whether it’s the sisters with their contradictory natures or the violence of someone being sorry, and then someone doing something hurtful. I feel like it’s a promise of a bright future, you know? If it were about the present, that wouldn’t totally work. It has to be the future.” This poignant observation encapsulates the novel’s central theme: the inherent contradictions and challenges in pursuing the American Dream in the 21st century.
Katya Apekina, novelist and screenwriter, has captivated readers with her poignant storytelling. Her debut novel, The Deeper the water the Uglier the Fish, earned critical acclaim, and now, she returns with her highly anticipated second novel, Mother Doll. In this exclusive interview, Apekina delves into the inspiration behind her latest work, the challenges of navigating the literary world, and the surprising parallels between her personal life and her creative process.
apekina’s journey as a writer is a testament to perseverance. Balancing the demands of a creative career with the realities of everyday life is a common struggle for many artists. “I’m working three jobs,” she reveals, “but if I do that right, then I can have a house and work two jobs.” This candid admission highlights the frequently enough-overlooked financial pressures faced by aspiring and established writers alike, a reality that resonates deeply with many Americans striving for financial stability.
The publication of Mother Doll represents a significant milestone in Apekina’s career. When asked about the meaning of this achievement, she shared, “I feel really lucky to have been able to do a thing that’s meaningful. And the dream of being fortunate enough to have someone look at it feels really, really fucking special, you know?” This heartfelt sentiment underscores the profound emotional connection writers often have with their work and the deeply personal satisfaction derived from sharing their stories with the world.
Apekina’s background adds another layer of depth to her narrative. Coming from a long line of Midwestern farmers and currently residing in Los Angeles with her family, her experiences have undoubtedly shaped her unique perspective and infused her writing with a rich tapestry of cultural influences. This blend of rural heritage and urban dynamism is reflected in the complex characters and compelling narratives that define her work.
Mother Doll is more than just a novel; it’s a reflection of Apekina’s personal journey, her resilience, and her unwavering commitment to her craft. It’s a story that will resonate with readers who appreciate honest, emotionally resonant storytelling and the enduring power of the human spirit. The book is available now.
About the Author: katya Apekina is a novelist, screenwriter, and translator. Her debut novel, The Deeper the Water the Uglier the Fish, was named a best book of 2018 by Kirkus, Buzzfeed, and other publications, and was a finalist for the L.A. Times Book Prize. Her new novel, Mother Doll, is available now.
Interviewer: Sasha Vasilyuk
Priyanka Mattoo’s memoir,”Bird Milk & Mosquito Bones,” offers a poignant exploration of personal experiences. recently, she sat down for a revealing conversation with journalist Katya Apekina, delving into the themes and inspirations behind her powerful work.
The interview, conducted on July 17th, covered a wide range of topics, from Mattoo’s personal journey to the creative process behind the book. Apekina’s insightful questions elicited thoughtful responses, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the author’s motivations and the emotional resonance of her writing.
While specific details of the interview remain undisclosed,the discussion promises to be engaging for readers interested in memoirs that explore themes of personal growth and cultural identity. The book itself has garnered significant attention for its honest and relatable portrayal of complex emotions and experiences.
Mattoo’s work resonates with readers seeking authentic narratives that explore the human condition. Her ability to weave personal experiences into a compelling narrative has earned her praise from critics and readers alike. The interview with apekina provides a unique opportunity to gain further insight into the creative process behind this acclaimed memoir.
For those interested in learning more about “Bird Milk & Mosquito Bones” and the author’s perspective, this interview offers a valuable resource. The conversation promises to be both insightful and engaging, providing a deeper recognition for the artistry and emotional depth of Mattoo’s writing.
The interview was conducted on July 17th. Further details about the interview’s publication and availability will be announced soon.
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