This week Jonathan and Gary are joined in the Gershwin Room by Sofia Samatar, author of the brilliant debut fantasy novel A Stranger in Olondria, which was published by Small Beer Press this April.
In a wide-ranging discussion, we look at the origins of  A Stranger in Olondria, re-encountering genre fiction, the power of language and how we encounter it, and much, much more.
As mentioned in the podcast, you can read more of Sofia’s fiction here:
- Dawn and the Maiden (Apex Magazine, 2013)
- Selkie Stories Are for Losers (Strange Horizons, 2013)
Another new story is coming up shortly at Lightspeed, and a sequel to A Stranger in Olondria is in the works.
As always, we would like to thank Sofia for taking the time to join us, and hope you enjoy the podcast.
Amended to add: The brilliant Cheryl Morgan, of this parish, did what I failed to do in comment she said:
“The Cuban book is The Island of Eternal Love by Daina Chaviano. “Ricky†is Rikki Ducornet. Jeff VanderMeer has been promoting her for some time. The zombie book is A Questionable Shape by Bennett Sims.”
Many thanks for the information, and the follow up, Cheryl!
I am glad that Gary made Sofia tell her life story again–it was new to me and it is one of those odd, fantastical life stories that DOES read like a genre novel.
Stranger is yet another book I have to read it seems. I was charmed by the way the three of you talked about it and what it does (especially the language bits). Galactic Standard, indeed! ;)
It’s a terrific book. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Great show as always. Somewhere in the middle Gary makes reference to a Cuban born fantasy writer who wrote a novel about houses disappearing then showing up again in random places but I couldn’t make out the name or the title. What was the book he was referring to?, would love to check it out. Thanks guys.
I was going to ask about the Cuban writer but also the “zombie novel” as Jonathan said “I will link to that in the show notes…” Anybody help on both?
Oops. I’ll dig out the zombie novel stuff and add it later today. Sorry for that.
Regarding Mennonite SF (mentioned at about 10:40), Karl Schroeder is from a Mennonite community in Manitoba.
I know. I actually mentioned it to Gary. While he and Sofia were discussing it, I had names on the tip of my tongue. A.E. van Vogt was Mennonite too. He and Schroeder actually come from the same Mennonite community.
Not to be greedy, but there was also an author named Ricky, I believe — the connection blipped at that point, and I couldn’t grasp the last name. I’d love to have the full name.
Also: anyone have suggestions on where to start with the work of Kelly Link?
Thanks!
The Cuban book is The Island of Eternal Love by Daina Chaviano.
“Ricky” is Rikki Ducornet. Jeff VanderMeer has been promoting her for some time.
The zombie book is A Questionable Shape by Bennett Sims.
Thanks, Cheryl!
Concerning Kelly Link: I’d start with Magic for Beginners. Enjoy!