Naomi Alderman, a renowned novelist, talks about her book 'The Power' where women are more powerful than men. She discusses life as a polymath and the process of turning her book into a film. The podcast explores themes of gendered violence, power dynamics, and success in creative work.
Naomi Alderman is a polymath balancing writing, game design, and teaching, showcasing adaptability and passion for diverse creative endeavors.
Being willing to scrap and restart 200,000 words for 'The Power' exemplifies Naomi Alderman's commitment to quality and narrative resonance.
Naomi Alderman's exploration of cultural identity in her novels promotes multiculturalism, diversity, and appreciation for unique backgrounds.
Deep dives
Naomi Oldeman's Successful Novels: Disobedience and The Power
Naomi Oldeman is a multi award-winning novelist known for her novels Disobedience and The Power. Disobedience was adapted into a film starring Rachel McCaddams and Rachel Weiss, generating excitement. The Power, a favorite book of former President Barack Obama, delves into a sci-fi dystopian world where women possess greater power than men, creating a narrative around gendered violence and power dynamics.
Challenges in Writing: Restarting The Power's Draft
Naomi Oldeman faced a daunting challenge when she scrapped 200,000 words of her first draft for The Power. This decision illustrated her commitment to quality and the willingness to restart when a piece of work isn't meeting expectations. By starting anew, she believed she could create a stronger foundation for the narrative, allowing the story to evolve and resonate more effectively with readers.
Multifaceted Career and Creative Process
Naomi Oldeman's multifaceted career as a novelist, game designer, and professor highlights her diverse creative pursuits. Balancing fiction writing in the morning to harness creative energy and focusing on collaborative projects like game design and TV series development later in the day showcases her dynamic approach to creativity. Her ability to transition between different mediums demonstrates her adaptability and passion for storytelling across various platforms.
Promoting Multiculturalism and Artistic Expression
Naomi Oldeman's exploration of cultural identity and expression through her novels reflects her commitment to promoting multiculturalism and diversity. By challenging perceptions within the Jewish community and showcasing the richness of cultural heritage, she encourages individuals to embrace their unique backgrounds. Through her art and storytelling, Oldeman advocates for understanding and appreciation of different cultures, enriching the tapestry of society.
From Novel to Screen Adaptation: Disobedience Film and Cast Resonance
The adaptation of Disobedience into a film brought Naomi Oldeman's characters to life, with Rachel McCaddams and Rachel Weiss delivering outstanding performances. The cinematic portrayal of the novel allowed audiences to experience the emotional depth and narrative complexity in a visual medium. Oldeman's personal connection to the story and the inclusion of family members, like her brother and father, in the film added a profound layer of meaning and authenticity to the on-screen adaptation.
My guest today is one of my favourite authors, the incredibly inspiring force of nature that is Naomi Alderman! She is the multi-award-winning novelist of Disobedience and The Power. The film adaptation of Disobedience had just come out starring both Rachael McAdams and Rachel Weisz. The Power is one of Obama's favourite books! It's an incredible sci-fi/dystopian novel about gendered violence and the fetishisation of power. The premise of the book is that women are more powerful than men. God becomes a “she”; and men are frightened to walk alone at night.
We discuss life as a polymath, what it's like having Rachel Weisz ring you up and want to turn your book into a film and how to know whether something is a good or bad idea when it comes to creating stuff. Thank you, Naomi. <3
