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The novel deals with incest. It is written in the first person
and the main story revolves around a woman who describes her
physical, emotional and mental experiences. In this novel I have
tried to portray some very realistic situations for this I
undertook extensive research which included querying a lot of
people.
You were earlier
into journalism. At what point of time did you decide to switch
to fiction writing and how did you adjust to the solitary life
of a writer.
Right from an
early age, I had always wished to be a story writer. Only I didn’t
have enough ideas then. On coming to India, I discovered a
storehouse of absorbing narratives waiting to be written upon.
And no sooner did I find myself in the thick of appealing
details than I tendered my resignation and started working on my
first novel. Regarding my adjustment to a solitary existence, I
think that I rather enjoy it. Besides, while writing I usually
listen to some classical or semi classical music for
companionship.
You have written
both a novel and short stories. What difference do you find
between these two and in which one do you consider yourself more
effective?
The range of
subjects that can be dealt with in short stories is enormous.
The novel is a different medium altogether. It generally has one
chief story in the main plot and some sub plots. I think in my
case it’s clearly the shorter version of fiction at which I
find myself more proficient.
Besides reading
and writing what other interests occupy you?
Right from
childhood, I was quite keen on sports and mercifully I haven’t
forsaken these old hobbies. I still enjoy going for a swim, play
tennis and work out in a gymnasium. Other than that I am an
enthusiastic collector of paintings and matchboxes.
You have lived
both in England and in India. What difference do you find
between the literary life of these two places?
Literary
activities are more organised in England. There is practically
no book piracy and the writers get better royalties for their
works over there. Other than that the people there are more
enthusiastic towards literary books and their authors. In India
both the piracy and the lukewarm attitude of the people when it
comes to book buying robs the fiction writers of their necessary
due. And if they don’t have any private means, such authors
are forced to take on alternative work for their bread and
butter.
And what do you
think accounts for this indifference of a majority of Indians
towards creative writing?
It’s partially
due to the defects in our education system and partially due to
the ignorance of the common man who isn’t aware of the
everlasting and wholesome effect of good writing. Other than
that our materialistic pursuits and the other numerous pastimes
leave little time for such reading. Despite these shortcomings I
must say that lately there has been a rise in the number of
readers, albeit marginally.
Despite the
advantages, why has England virtually stopped producing the
writers of the calibre of Somerset Maugham, George Orwell and
the still read novelists of the Victorian era?
I think that is
probably because of the different circumstances in which the
British are living these days. A writer is often the product of
his times and the fast-paced and mechanised life of England is a
far cry from what it was prior to the two world wars.
Would you like to
be known as a feminist writer?
I won’t mind
that, In fact it’s through my writings that I want to voice
the stifled aspirations of Indian women in particular and strive
for their liberty.
The works of which
writers have impressed you the most?
Roald Dahl has
been my all-time favourite and I think he created some very
original, regaling and uncommon stories. Then the works of
Salman Rushdie, Gabriel Garcia Marques, Amy Tan and Timothy Mo
have been quite inspiring.
You are also a
well-known socialite. Do you enjoy partying and meeting people
at social gatherings?
Occasionally I
look forward to meeting individuals at a bash but clearly the
epithet of a well-known socialite is quite inappropriate for me.
How would you
define yourself as an individual?
I think I am very
moody and rather passionate about certain things in life.
Besides that I am also a bit superstitious.
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KUSUM
SAWHNEY was born and brought up in England but a chance encounter
with an Indian businessman brought her back to the land of her
ancestors after her marriage to him. Coming from a family of
academicians, she was fond of reading right from an early age and
went on to earn an M.Phil in English literature. Before making her
mark as a fiction writer, she wrote for a magazine in London and
later for India Today.
