On tour: Meet the author Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Spanish novelist Carlos Ruiz Zafón is visiting Australia and New Zealand in May. His first novel for adults The Shadow of the Wind was an international bestseller, as was its prequel The Angel’s Game (both Text). The third book in the series, The Prisoner of Heaven (Text), will be published in May.
What would you put on a shelf-talker for your book?
‘Please be kind and keep this poor devil in business.’ I rather like the term ‘shelf-talker’. It evokes a vision of a little plump fairy, sitting on the shelf and leaning against book spines, that whispers nice marketing one-liners to browsers … I’d like mine to look like a gothic Tinkerbell. She could pout maliciously and imply buying my books could get you places—dark places.
What is the silliest question you’ve ever been asked on a book tour?
Once or twice a reader has asked me why I write originally in Spanish when I could write it in English (and save them the wait for the translation). I usually answer that I was born in Spain and that I first learned to read and write in Spanish, while English is a third language to me. They don’t buy it. They probably suspect I am trying to be difficult, as all foreigners who insist in speaking in foreign languages are. At least they could have the decency to speak the same foreign language, don’t you think?
And the most profound?
‘Can I kiss you?’ This is where the expression ‘author services’ becomes ambiguous.
What are you reading right now?
The Accursed by Joyce Carol Oates (Fourth Estate). She is one of my favourite authors. This is the final novel in a cycle of postmodern American gothic novels she started with Bellefleur (Ecco).
What was the defining book of your childhood?
I don’t have a single title I can claim as the one. To me it was all books—the promise of language, style and wonder. The notion that you could create entire worlds and lives out of ink and paper seemed like magic to me. Still does.
What was the last book you read and loved?
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter (Viking). A deliciously well-done tale from a terrific writer. Highly recommended.
Which is your favourite bookstore?
I’ve been lucky enough to visit and get to know many wonderful bookstores around the world. My favourite, perhaps because it finally disappeared and I miss it dearly, used to be the cavernous, wondrous and mysterious Acres of Books in Long Beach, California.
Who would you like to challenge to a literary spat?
The Bronte sisters. My weapon of choice would be mud-wrestling.
Facebook or Twitter?
Neither one.
If I were a literary character I’d be …
The crocodile in Peter Pan. The one in the Disney version is my official alter ego.
In 50 years’ time books will be …
… books. In 50 years’ time you and me won’t be here, so let’s dance the night away and let posterity take care of itself.
Category: Features
