'Bridge' author, Lauren Beukes: 'There are a lot of multiverses out there already'

TL;DR

Lauren Buchus delves into multiverses, parasites, and identity in her novel, "Bridge," offering a captivating blend of sci-fi and thriller.

Transcript

hi there I'm Alison flood and I'm here to chat to Lauren buchus author of our latest New Scientist book club pick Bridge I've Loved Lauren's writing ever since Zoo city won her the Arthur C Clarke award for science fiction I've especially enjoyed her blend of Science Fiction and Thriller in books like The Shining girls so I was really excited to pi... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤑 Multiverses serve as a rich storytelling device to explore parallel realities and the impact of choices on identity.
• 🧠 Parasites, music, and brain research add depth and authenticity to the fantastical elements of the narrative.
• ❓ Themes of grief, mother-daughter relationships, and ethical dilemmas provide a compelling backdrop for character development.
• ❓ Lauren Buchus's personal experiences with ADHD offer a unique perspective on identity and choice in the novel.
• 💭 The interplay of science fiction and thriller genres in "Bridge" creates a captivating and thought-provoking narrative.
• 🧠 Research on tapeworms and brain tumors adds a layer of scientific realism to the fantastical elements of the story.
• 🛟 Music's influence on consciousness and perception serves as a metaphor for unlocking hidden truths in the multiverse.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired Lauren Buchus to explore the concept of multiverses in her novel?

Lauren Buchus was intrigued by the idea of parallel universes and the choices that define different versions of oneself, leading to the exploration of multiverses in "Bridge."

Q: How did Lauren Buchus integrate the theme of parasites into the narrative of "Bridge"?

Inspired by real-world research on tapeworms, Lauren Buchus incorporated the concept of a "dreamworm" into the story, allowing characters to switch realities and explore ethical dilemmas.

Q: How did Lauren Buchus use music as a key element in traveling between worlds in "Bridge"?

Through research on brainwaves and music's role in inducing trances, Lauren Buchus incorporated harmonics and visuals to unlock the doors between parallel universes in the novel.

Q: How did Lauren Buchus's personal experience with ADHD influence her writing process for "Bridge"?

Lauren Buchus's diagnosis with ADHD during the novel's editing phase significantly impacted her perspective on character development and the theme of identity in "Bridge."

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Lauren Buchus discusses her novel "Bridge," focusing on multiverses, identity, and choice.

• The book delves into grief, mother-daughter relationships, and the concept of traveling between parallel universes.

• The author's insights into parasites, music, and neuroscientific research enhance the story's depth and complexity.