Leigh Bardugo, the author of novels such as Shadow and Bone, Six of Crows and The Ninth House, visited Madrid to present her latest novel, titled “The Familiar”, a work of historical fantasy for adults, set in the Madrid of the Golden Age. We were lucky enough to chat with her for a few minutes.
Leigh Bardugo
“The Familiar” is a story of political intrigue, betrayal, magic and, above all, love. Its author, Leigh Bardugo (Jerusalem, 1975), who published her first novel at the age of 37, has sold more than two million books, is the number one New York Times bestselling author, lives in Hollywood, where she also likes to sing with his band Captain Automatic and is the superstar of the global “romantasy” phenomenon.
What is “romantasy”?
This is the name given to the fantasy literary subgenre in which romantic stories play a leading role.
Synopsis of “The Familiar”
In a run-down house in Madrid, Luzia Cotado uses magic to get through her endless days working as a maid in the kitchen. But when her wife discovers Luzia’s secret ability to achieve small miracles, she demands that she use that gift to improve the family’s social standing.
What begins as simple entertainment for the bored nobility turns dangerous when Luzia attracts the attention of Antonio Pérez, the secretary of the king of Spain.
Determined to take advantage of this opportunity to improve her life, Luzia immerses herself in a world of seers and alchemists, of holy men and scammers, where the line between magic, science and fraud is never clear. But as her fame grows, she also increases the risk that her Jewish blood will condemn her to the wrath of the Inquisition. To survive, she must do the unthinkable: use the help of Guillén Santangel, an immortal relative who keeps secrets that could be lethal for both of them. In Spain it is published by Hidra.
Interview with Leigh Bardugo: «It is exhausting to see how we need to put labels on each of the people»
What is your first memory of magic?
I have very fond memories of reading a book called The Swiftly Tilting Planet by Madeline Lengel. (science fiction novel). I remember feeling that if I stopped reading, the heroes would lose, and that I was part of that story. I think from that moment on I took science fiction and fantasy very seriously when I became a teenager.
What was that teenage Leigh like?
At that time my mother remarried, we moved and I started studying at a new school. I was miserable! until the librarian who left many classic fantasy books and told me: “discover new worlds.” This is that I need. I finished reading “Dune” and never looked back.
And is that when you thought about being a writer?
I wanted to be a writer since I was a child, it just took me a long time to learn how to write a book. When we see an artist or writer in a movie or television show, we don’t see the long journey that goes into creating a novel or executing a painting. When I started writing I thought I was supposed to love every minute of it and that it was going to be natural and that I would magically have a book like a magic spell when the truth of writing a novel means failing a little bit every day, it means getting comfortable with discomfort. and I had to learn how to do it to become a writer.
«My father’s family is from Spain and Morocco. So the expulsion of the Jews from Spain has always been part of my family history.”
How are you interested in the history of Madrid?
My family’s history is in Spain. On my mother’s side, I am Russian and Lithuanian, and on my father’s side, I am Sephardic. My father’s family is from Spain and Morocco. So the expulsion of the Jews from Spain has always been part of my family history. When I thought about writing a new novel, I remembered my own story and thought it’s better to love what you’re going to research because you spend a lot of time doing it. It was something that interested me both personally and professionally. Also, I knew I wanted to use the Inquisition in the book because it’s part of my family’s history.
How much has society changed since 1492?
A lot. As a woman and a Jew, I can say that a lot has changed. For example, I don’t think we could have this conversation at that time. Another thing is that we see how our societies repeat mistakes over and over again. It’s exhausting to see how we need to put labels on each person to judge each one of us.
You’re religious?
I am not religious. I was raised by secular Jews, but I think religion and faith can be a precious thing, but it seems like too many times religion is in the hands of the wrong people. I understand my culture, the religious ties and its history, but for me, who has always been interested in heroes and heroines, it is difficult to find the connection that unites religion with people.
What did you think of Madrid?
I love the city and the public is incredible, very friendly, sweet and they like my jokes, what more can I ask for… I plan to return whenever you invite me.
What is your relationship with readers like?
They are the reason I am here. I have been on this adventure of writing books for 10 years and I have enjoyed building my career as a writer. That your books connect with so many people is amazing. I know a lot of great writers who don’t connect with as many readers, so I know there is some luck and fortune in my life. I only have gratitude. I arrived very late to this great party and I want to stay as long as I can.
«Social networks are like a poison that young people drink a little of every day»
Are young people reading?
Young people are definitely reading… I also think that social networks are like a poison that they drink a little of every day… Even for me, who is a writer, it is difficult for me to find time to read.
Do you think there is a search for fantastic worlds so as not to see reality?
We have always wanted to take refuge in books and their stories, fictional or otherwise. It is very important to realize that any action that leads us to read brings us closer to understanding each other better, and each experience will make us a deeper person. When you read a book you learn about other cultures and that changes you, it gives you the opportunity to be empathetic and also to interact with other ideas that you may not agree with. But social networks work just the opposite, they tell you what to look for, “let us teach you things” and “we will give you exactly what you want to hear and see.” And this is not good for anyone.
Leigh Bardugo was in Madrid on Saturday, June 6, to present her book “The Familiar.” Edited by Hydra. €23.27.
(Cover photo by Jen Castle).
