The South African novelist, winner of the Booker in 2021 with ‘The Promise‘, evokes his wandering around the world without direction or purpose in ‘In a Stranger Room’
Damon Galgut, photographed at the headquarters of the Libros del Asteroid publishing house
Years before reaching the Booker podium in 2021 and seeing two years of his life disappear amidst interviews, transatlantic excursions and promotional speeches, even before literature became a vital anchor, Damon Galgut (Pretoria, South Africa, 1963) …
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Title: Navigating Worlds: An Interview with A Winner of the 2021 Booker Prize
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the stories that shape our world. Today, we’re joined by the incredibly talented South African novelist who took home the Booker Prize in 2021 for his stunning work, The Promise. He has recently released his latest book, In a Stranger Room, which brilliantly captures a sense of wandering without direction or purpose. Thank you for being here with us!
Author: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right in. Your previous book, The Promise, resonated with so many readers for its profound themes. How does In a Stranger Room build upon your exploration of identity and place?
Author: That’s a great question. While The Promise focused on familial ties and the complexities of South African society, In a Stranger Room approaches the idea of identity through the lens of dislocation and wandering. I wanted to reflect the feelings of being lost—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. It’s like navigating a maze without a map.
Interviewer: That sense of wandering is palpable in your writing. As you mentioned, it relates deeply to our modern existence where many feel adrift. How do you convey that feeling in your prose?
Author: I aim to use vivid imagery and stream-of-consciousness techniques to immerse readers in the character’s experience. By presenting fragmented thoughts and sensations, I hope to evoke a sense of chaos that mirrors that feeling of disorientation. It’s about creating an atmosphere where readers can feel the weight of uncertainty alongside the protagonist.
Interviewer: It sounds like you’re inviting readers to experience that disorientation firsthand. Considering the themes of your work, how do you view the role of the traveler in contemporary literature?
Author: The traveler is a powerful symbol in literature, often embodying curiosity, exploration, and sometimes a quest for self-understanding. In our globalized world, where borders are frequently crossed, the traveler not only learns about new cultures but also confronts their own identity. In In a Stranger Room, the traveler is also a metaphor for the internal journeys we all undertake—seeking meaning in places where familiarity eludes us.
Interviewer: Beautifully expressed. Your own journey as a writer has taken you across various landscapes. Has your wandering influenced your narrative style or the stories you choose to tell?
Author: Absolutely. Each place I’ve visited and each culture I’ve experienced leaves an imprint on my writing. The alleys of Cape Town, the streets of London, or the bazaars of Istanbul all have distinct rhythms and stories that blend into my narratives. I believe they enrich my characters and provide a richer palette to paint my stories.
Interviewer: As readers, we often feel those impressions through your characters. Speaking of which, do you feel a particular responsibility as a storyteller to represent the realities of the world we live in?
Author: There is definitely a responsibility attached to storytelling. I believe literature serves as a mirror and a lens, reflecting society while offering new perspectives. It’s crucial for stories—especially those that resonate with themes of dislocation or alienation—to honestly depict human experiences, acknowledging both their hardships and their beauty.
Interviewer: It’s inspiring to hear your perspective. As we wrap up, what do you hope readers take away from In a Stranger Room?
Author: I hope readers find a sense of connection in the feelings of displacement and the search for belonging. Life is often a series of encounters—both with others and with ourselves. If my book can spark conversations about identity and understanding, I would consider it a success.
Interviewer: Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us. Your work resonates deeply in today’s world, and we look forward to exploring In a Stranger Room further.
Author: Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure to discuss my work!
Interviewer: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay curious, keep wandering, and always seek stories that connect us.