Arleigh Johnson of the Historical Fiction.com has a fascinating interview with Fireship author Gary Inbinder discussing his latest novel, Confessions of the Creature, a historical fantasy novel based on a reinterpretation of Mary Shelly's Frankenstein tale. The questions are compelling -- and the answers give insight into Inbinder's broad-based influences when writing this original novel. Here's a snippet from the interview:
We do not much see Napoleon in action, as Viktor is on the opposing side, but of the characters that are actual historical figures, are any true-to-life more so than others? Which character was your favorite to research and recreate?
Napoleon is a looming presence in my novel, like an invisible hand moving the chess-pieces on the other side of the board. I didn’t want to demonize him the way Tolstoy did in “War and Peace.” Rather, in reference to the philosophical theme I previously mentioned, Viktor sees Napoleon as a transformative force for both good and evil. Regarding the other historical figures, Count Arakcheyev was an intriguing and sinister character. He rose through the ranks to become Tsar Alexander’s most powerful and most hated minister and, for a period, the virtual ruler of Russia, during which time he gained a reputation for ruthlessness. He plays an important role in Viktor’s life toward the end of the novel. And of course, there was Mary Shelley who figures prominently in two key chapters. It was she who gave “birth” to Frankenstein and the creature.
For more information on the author please visit Gary Inbinder's biography page or Gary Inbinder's blog.
