Interview with the author

^{Marcus Fedder was born in Hanover, Germany, and studied Politics, English and International Relations at the FU Berlin, LSE and Cambridge. As well as writing he is a partner in a micro-finance venture and previously worked for investment banks, the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. He wrote Sarabande while working as a banker in the City of London. His interest in Sarajevo was kindled during work travel there. He lives in London, and also paints, selling his paintings in support of UNICEF.}

Nomads of The Word:  Welcome Marcus!  Thank you for taking the time to talk to us.  Let’s begin with what led you to write Sarabande?

MF:  Thank you Nassia.  I first thought about writing Sarabande during the Bosnian war of 1992-95 when Sarajevo was shelled on a daily basis.  We were celebrating Christmas in Switzerland, it was peaceful and beautiful and every evening the TV brought into our living room pictures of the war, of starving people, dead bodies on streets, Sniper Alley, children whose arms had been blown off.  I just couldn’t believe that merely one hour’s flight away from us atrocities were happening that we all thought could never happen in Europe again.  That’s when I first thought about writing something.  But it took years to become a novel.

Nomads of The Word:  What does the title Sarabande signifies for you?

MF:  In this book, Sarabande refers to a movement of a Bach suite for cello solo, which is slow, sad and melodious.  Dan, who tells the story, plays this movement at the beginning, and also at the end.

Nomads of The Word: You chose to write about Sarajevo, the Bosnian Muslims and their struggle during the war.  Why?  

MF:  Because Sarajevo was basically ignored.  Nobody cared.  It was shocking.

Nomads of The Word:  What surprised you most about your book and the characters as you were writing? Did anything turn out different than you had originally thought it would?

MF:  Before I started I had the basic structure in my head.  And yet a lot of things developed during the process of writing.  Characters changed, Janna showed different sides of hers which developed as the story unfolded.  One true friend of Dan dies in the end -  originally, he was supposed to have survived.

Nomads of The Word:  Why you picked the Bosnian Muslims as the group Janna
ethnically belonged to. Did you consider making her a Bosnian Serb? That would have made it far more challenging to present her as a pacifist, given the aggressive nature of much of her community during the conflict. 

MF:  No.  This was a war that was waged against the multicultural society of Sarajevo – where the majority of people who suffered were Bosnian Muslims.  It was important for me to show her and her family as tolerant and open minded Muslims when Sarajevo was shelled and innocent people got killed by snipers who proclaimed to be Christians.

Nomads of The Word: Did you struggle with the need to build up a realistic portrayal of the new 

relationship between Dan and Janna whilst simultaneously exploring their attitudes towards 

justifiable war, when it was right to kill etc. In the book there were often shifts between normal 

new couple conversations to philosophical debates about military ethics, death and war. 

Was this something you had to give a lot of time to crafting?

MF:  Janna’s and Dan’s relationship is intense from the first moment they meet.  Neither of 

them is shallow and as the reader gets to know them it becomes clear why they are the way they are.

When your hometown gets systematically destroyed, I guess few people could indulge in small talk.  

And yet, they are also a normal couple, leading a normal life - at least in the beginning of their 

relationship.

Nomads of The Word: You have often been asked if the book is autobiographical and you have said that it is not… how did you research the characters and the different events?  Did you go to Sarajevo during the war?  If yes have you been since?

MF:  I went to Sarajevo ten years ago and spoke to a lot of people, visited places.  I know the part of France very well, where Dan and  Janna went to, and I live in London.  So the story is not autobiographical but pure fiction.  Dan and Janna are creations out of imagination, although I have to admit that I know some absolutely wonderful and selfless doctors like Janna.   

Nomads of The Word:  How long did it take you to write the book? 

MF:  Years.

Nomads of The Word:  What was the most difficult part of Sarabande to write?

MF:  The beginning.  I re-wrote it a number of times.  I had the idea of adding the preface – which is also fiction – once I had found the publisher…

Nomads of The Word: Why did you choose this particular style of writing?  (Film script, Film within a book…) Was it challenging?  What are some of the things you had to overcome while writing the book?

MF:  The book is written out of Dan’s perspective as he sees the year he spent with Janna unfolding like a film.  I wanted the reader to feel the way he felt whilst he was telling the story.  I know it is not easy for some readers to switch between film script and ‘normal’ narrative, but it had to be that way to get the message across.

Nomads of The Word: How do you think the Sarajevo of today differs to the one you painted in your book?

MF:  it used to be a beautiful town – and nowadays it once again is.

Nomads of The Word:  What do you want the readers to come away with after reading Sarabande?

MF:  Let me quote the conversation in the preface between Camille and Dan:

"You've never told me the full story, Dad. Now I think I finally start to understand ..."
"Understand what?" I asked.
"You, Dad. And Mum. Grandpa. Grandma. Everything. Sarajevo." She looked at me, thinking. "When did you publish this?" she asked.
"I haven't, Darling ... I couldn't."
"Why not?"
"It's too personal," I replied.
She looked down again and then, lifting her head, at me with great seriousness.
"Dad. You've got to publish this!" She said. "Everyone has to read this book!"
"Why?"
"If everyone in this world read this book, those wars would never happen again."
She looked at me as if exhausted from this outburst and added quietly, "If it only made one single person a pacifist, it would have been worth the effort."
"But I'm not a pacifist, Camille," I said.
"I know. But you're my Dad and you would never start a war." She smiled. "So, please, Dad, promise you will publish it!"
I promised.

Nomads of The Word:  How did you feel when you held your finished book in your hands for the first time?

MF:  it’s beautiful.  The cover, the picture.  I liked it.  … and it was finally done.

Nomads of The Word:  How would you describe yourself as a reader?  What books influenced and inspired? Is there one book you think everyone should read?

MF:  I love reading novels.  But I’m not sure whether there is the ‘one’ book everyone should be reading.  I love Kundera, Coelho, Max Frisch, Murakami – great writers. 

Nomads of The Word:  What’s the last book you finished reading?  Would you recommend it to someone else?

MF:  The Angel’s Game.  Though I preferred the Shadow of the Wind – which is truly magical.

Nomads of The Word:  When did you realize that you wanted to be a writer? 

MF:  Years ago, when I was stuck in a mountain hut in Switzerland.  It was August and snowing and we couldn’t move on, so I started writing stories during the three days we were waiting.

Nomads of The Word:  Sarabande is your debut novel, what are your goals and aspirations for the future?

MF:  I’d love to publish more.  But I do not wish to become a serial author. 

Nomads of The Word:  What are you working on now, and what new release(s) can we expect to see from you in the future?

MF:  I am in the process of finishing my second novel.  Justice.  The hero is a retired German judge who decides in 1990 to trace back the places he had been to as a young soldier during WW2.  During those days he had witnessed some nasty atrocities committed by the SS – well, the story is about Justice.  It’s not a history lesson and not a philosophical treaties but fiction, and also a love story, like Sarabande.

Nomads of The Word:  Which book or author has most influenced you as a writer? 

MF: Max Frisch

Nomads of The Word:  What do you do outside the world of literature?

MF:  Microfinance, normal finance;  lots of sports;  and when I’m in the mood, I paint.

Nomads of The Word:  Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of the Nomads of The Word?

MF:  though British literature is very rich and varied – there are some amazing authors in other parts of the world:  keep an open mind and discover other cultures through literature.  Be a nomad.

Nomads of The Word:  This is something that I ask every author I interview and that’s to share a favorite saying or quote with the us...

MF:  Enjoy life – you live every second only once.

Nomads of The Word: Marcus, Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.  I really enjoyed reading Sarabande and I am looking forward to your next book.

On July 27th, seven of us got together at The Waterside to discuss Alain De Botton’s newest book “The Pleasure and Sorrows of Work”. 

The book generated mixed feeling among the readers… Some found De Botton’s new effort to be weak and lacking depth in both the subject matter and the characters he interviewed.   His journalistic capacity was said to be basic but his philosophical musings coupled with his unique sarcastic undertones where borderline funny. 

Of course the die hard De Botton fans found the book entertaining and filled with useful information about the 10 vocations he chose to enlighten us about.  Vocations such us Accounting, Logistics, Painting, Rocket Science, Biscuit Making… The author made the books main point being if work is a validation of our purpose and existence.  De Botton spoke about death in terms of an airplane grave yard and followed the journey of Tuna from being caught, processed to ending up at someone’s plate for dinner.

We didn’t stay with the book for too long, as it was expected the discussion took a more philosophical and even reminiscent tones.  We discussed work and how it’s seen in society as well as shared our childhood dreams about work.  We talked amongst other things about what moves people to do certain jobs and how much money, family, prestige and honor influence the route(s) we take through life. 

Overall, it was a fun evening fueled with never-ending supply of alcohol as it goes well with a work related conversation.

In August we will visit Kew Gardens and have  a poetic picnic. Join me to think positive for a sunny and bright day.  Looking forward to seeing most of you there, until then, keep reading but above all keep questioning!

“One the first Cup of tea you are a stranger, on the second cup of tea you become a friend and on the third cup of tea you become family…” Greg Mortenson


On June 22, five of us got together at The Waterside to discuss Greg Mortenson adventures and campaign to build schools in the remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Greg’s journey from a mountaineering bum to a philanthropist and to some a hero was not a paved road but filled with danger and adventure in every corner. His childhood in Tanzania and the example of his parents equipped him with the mentality to give and help those in need. Many climbers have passed through the same areas of Pakistan as Greg Mortenson, and made the similar promises to help the local people; but the difference between Greg and the others is that he followed through with his promise. His personality and disorganized nature made his journey more difficult but his perseverance triumphed in the end. Despite the many obstacles in his way he raised the money and returned to Pakistan to build the promised school.
Overall, an inspirational story and a good message of promoting peace through education and literacy; a captivating read, with engrossing stories of hostilities and unlikely friendships…

On the 21st of May for Banana Yoshimoto's Kitchen.
Five of us got together to share a great evening fueled with wine and beer and a great discussion about the book, the author, Japan and Japaneses culture.
I would like to take this opportunity thank Sophie, Zaf, Rahul and Onur for coming along and officially welcome Rahul and Onur to our nomadic book lovers family. It was a great pleasure meeting you both and thank you for your insight about Japanese culture and your lively opinions.
During the evening we discussed the book in terms of:
Kitchens
Symbolism
Grief
The occult
Pop Culture
Food and Food for comfort
Transsexuality
Sex Roles

We all agreed that it was a good read, although at times we got frustrated with the author. The book and style of writing is different than Western writers and one needs to read it with an open mind and by leaving our Western sensitivities behind.

Several of you couldn't make it to the gathering on the 21st of May but I would like to thank all those that took the time to let me know about it.

The next gathering is coming up on the 22nd of June and it's a departure from Fiction to the waters of non-fiction storytelling. I am looking forward to seeing you on the 22nd to discuss Greg Mortneson's story and struggle of fundraising and building schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Till then enjoy the glorious sunshine we have been gifted these days.

Big Welcome newcomers: Sophie, Zoe and Vineet.  I hope you enjoyed our group and looking forward to seeing you again in the next gatherings.

Congratulation to Johanna for winning a copy of May’s book choice “Kitchen” by Banana Yoshimoto

Last night around 7:30pm 6 of us gathered at The Waterside next to the river to discuss “Half of a Yellow Sun” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.  It was a fun night fueled with plenty of red wine, engaging conversation in a lively atmosphere.   In true nomad style people came armed with an opinion and they weren’t shy to voice it. 

We talked about the twin sisters Olanna and Kainene members of the Igbo upper class both educated abroad they chose different avenues to make their mark in the world.  Olanna joins her intellectual professor lover Odenigbo as a lecturer at the University of Nkussa, while Kainene is swift in the business world and falls for a shy English writer Richard.  Their disputes, difference of opinion and betrayal.

We talked about Ugwu, that came from a small poor village at the tender age of 13 to work as a house boy for Odenigbo, but he is one of the most intelligent and observant characters in the novel.

We talked about the Novel within the Novel and debated the id of the writer… was it Richard or was it Ugwu.  Personally I still question if Richard is a real writer.

We looked at how people’s privileged lives were rocked by the war, conflict, difference of opinion, love, mistrust, betrayal and ethnic differences and while the main characters lives intermingle they are confronted with the reality of their own decisions and responses to the wider political situation.  At the same time Africa in general was dealing with the end of colonialism, ethnic differences, class systems, race, morality, starvation and brutal acts of war. 

Adichie's novel brilliantly captures several aspects of the conflicts as it offers the reader, information about Nigeria and the Biafran war laced with love, vivid scenes and graphic images of the day to day life both at the University and during the war. 

It was argued that the novel is weak on the historical and political references as well as the depth of the character portrayal.  However this was countered with the passion and vivid portrayal of the human character.

Overall we agreed that it's a beautifully written book we all enjoyed reading and express interested in finding out how the other side of the war saw the events… Sounds to me as a very good excuse to revisit the subject on a future book club meeting.

I have just finished reading the book of the month by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie "Half of a Yellow Sun", a wonderfully written and captivating novel that takes place in Southern Nigeria about 40 or so years ago. 

Two twin sisters Olanna and Kainene members of the Igbo upper class couldn't be any different, both educated abroad they choose different avenues to make their mark in the world.  Olanna joins her intellectual professor lover Odenigbo as a lecturer at the University of Nkussa, while Kainene is swift in the business world and falls for a shy English writer Richard.  Their privileged lives are rocked by the war, conflict, difference of opinion, love, mistrust,  betrayal and ethnic differences.  On the other hand Ugwu, Oenigbo's house boy that came from a small poor village looks at every small luxury with a different respect.

As the main characters lives intermingle they are confronted with the reality of their own decisions and responses to the wider political situation.  Africa in general is dealing with the end of colonialism, ethnic differences, class systems, race, morality, starvation and brutal acts of war. 

Adichie's novel brilliantly captures all aspects of the conflicts as it offers the reader, information about Nigeria and the Biafran war laced with love, vivid scenes and graphic images of the day to day life both at the University and during the war.  Many have argued that the novel is weak and shallow on the historical and political references as well as the depth of the caracter portrayal.  That might be so but let's as not forget that this book is a love story taking place during a devastating war.  Overall it's a beautifully written book that I wouldn't hesitate to recomend it.

I am including below a link to an interview posted by "writerly" in Youtube with an interview with the author.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=143V4wH11Cc&playnext_from=PL&feature=PlayList&p=21678D4E7AB645B7&playnext=1&index=21

Long overdue and much promised the Blog for Nomads of the Word is finally here.   Our intention is to capture information about the books we have read and plan to read in the form of a book reviews; news stories; interviews with the authors and other literary relevant topics.

Since the birth of Nomads of The Word a few months back we have read some wonderful books and have had great conversations fuelled with wine for some and tea for others.   We met with a couple of the authors (Imran Ahmad and C. L. Dalh) and heard their stories of how their books came to life.   We traveled to Pakistan, India, UK, USA and Nigeria with the characters and tasted life through their adventures.

We started our Journey with Moshin Hamids “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” a tale of love (between Changez and Erica), prejudice and misrepresentation; an inward journey of self exploration and transformation; questions of morality and east/west values.   A monologue that captures the reader’s imagination and allows us to make our own conclusions: was the American killed or not?   Is Changez and good guy or someone that got confused along the way?

Here is an audio interview of the author talking about the book and answering many of the questions we as readers have http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTW5qtA6hVc&feature=related.