Interview with author Prita Warrier

Debutant author Prita Warrier has made a scintillating entry into the literary world with her first book Circle of Fate. The critics have already been termed her as an ‘author to watch’. A stand­ apart fictional tale Circle of Fate is one of the must ­read books which has every potential to become ‘one of the literary wonder’. Here we are presenting Prita Warrier to the readers:

# Congratulations Prita for your successful debut novel! Please tell our readers briefly about the amazing portrayal of “Circle of Fate”.

Each of us has different ways of reacting to a situation. In my book I have used three women of different ages and times to demonstrate this. Devaki, who I consider the central character, faces life boldly, making decisions that would shock most. But she is strong enough to live by her convictions. On the other hand, her mother ­in­law Laxmi gets through life by scheming and manipulating others. Sheela is the weakest of the three, young, raised by loving parents in a kind and benevolent environment who when faced with the vagaries of life chooses to run away.

# What kind of feedback have you been receiving?

It’s all been good, with some readers waiting for me to write my second book.

# Did the reactions meet your expectations?

Yes, I wrote this book with a lot of sincerity, and I think that has been appreciated.

# “Circle of Fate” is an ‘important work of fiction but itself it is not that fictional’ – how much the story has been inspired by the real life?

Some of it certainly. What happens, (I don’t want to give away the shockers) are events we read about in the papers, this book looks at the people who perpetuate these crimes, their motivations and emotions.

# What motivates you to write Circle of Fate? Are the central characters like Devaki or Sheela based on the real persons known to you?

There is a bit of me in both Devaki and Sheela. Devaki’s experiences in college are based on my paternal grandmother’s and her relationship with her maid is true of almost all women of that time.

# What message do you want to convey to the girls through your book?

I would be the last person to pontificate. I sincerely believe in ‘each to his own’. I hope that more women are inspired to write.

# How much support have you been receiving from your husband, renowned author Shashi Warrier?

A lot. Everyday. We discuss everything under the sun, bounce ideas off each other, and he is great at what he calls ‘cleaning up my manuscript’ that is putting in a few commas and deleting a few exclamation marks!!!

# Tell us something about your journey to become a published author?

It was a long journey but all the wait is worth the thrill of getting the first copy in hand.

# Did writing come easily to you?

Yes it does. I write a lot of the stuff in my head, the problem is sitting down and entering it into the computer, that’s when I realize I have so much of chatting with friends to catch up on.

# Which are the books that have influenced you in life?

Recently I read ‘Leaving Time’ by Jodi Picoult and loved it. I have always enjoyed Hilary Mantel. I do read a lot of thrillers too.

The Indian authors I admire are R. K Narayanan and of course Arundhati Roy.

I like travel books and biographies too.

# Tell us something about your future plans? Have you already started planning for your next book?

I am trying my hand at short stories, a collection with a running motif, relationships between parents and children.

# Do you have any parting words for readers?

Do feel free to discuss, praise or criticize my book.

Thank You Prita for your time! It was pleasure talking to you. On behalf of Spectralhues, I wish you glorious success and hope you would come up with many more remarkable books.

Book Details:

(Interview taken by Susmita Bose)

• About the Author

About Sprightly Spirit

“I dare do all that may become a man. Who dares more is none”. And all, may be. It may be the vigor. Or the spirit. Or the courage to avoid being “politically correct” or bent. And, ban all averse with immaculate overture of graciously fathomable words firm in views. Subtle. Justifying the undying conscience. Values. Knowledge. And, dares to stay true. True to own. True to the world. And, to the words. With a dream in eyes it exists. In you. In me. In all. The sprite that never shies away. The spirit that never dies!