Intelligence Squared Novelist Helen Oyeyemi on Why the City of Prague has Main Character Energy
Feb 14, 2024
In this conversation, critically acclaimed novelist Helen Oyeyemi, known for her imaginative works like "Mr Fox" and "Gingerbread," discusses her latest book set in Prague, where the city itself becomes a narrator. She shares her journey from initial disdain to genuine affection for this vibrant city. Themes of love, addiction, and surreal storytelling intertwine with personal anecdotes that illuminate Prague’s quirky essence. Joining her is journalist Ruchira Sharma, who adds depth to the exploration of the emotional bonds between cities and their storytellers.
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Prague: A City of Transformation
- Helen Oyeyemi describes Prague as a place of transformation.
- Fiction becomes non-fiction, and the impossible becomes possible.
Prague's Unique Character
- Oyeyemi found Prague's beauty captivating yet unconcerned with impressing, unlike other European cities.
- She describes attempting to capture its essence as a dialogue with a living being.
Prague's Historical Tapestry
- Oyeyemi's stories within the book, spanning centuries, touch upon Prague's rich history.
- She aims to capture the city's patchwork of eras without being defined by any single one.
