Berlin Review of Books and Letters Interview with Ebor Sisk, Author of "Platypus Down"

 Interview with Ebor Sisk, Author of "Platypus Down"

Berlin Review of Books and Letters: Thank you for joining us today, Ebor Sisk. Your latest book, "Platypus Down," has been garnering a lot of attention. Could you tell us a little about what inspired you to write this book?

Ebor Sisk: Thank you for having me. "Platypus Down" is a work of fiction, but it is inspired by my experiences living in Eastern Europe. I wanted to explore the complex cultural and political dynamics of the region, and the way in which history and memory shape people's lives.

BRBL: The book is described as a "narrative puzzle." Could you explain what that means and how you went about creating it?

ES: Well, the book is structured as a series of interconnected stories, each of which can be read on its own, but which also fit together to create a larger narrative. The stories are told from the perspective of different characters, and each one reveals a different piece of the puzzle. I wanted to create a sense of mystery and intrigue, so that the reader would be constantly trying to piece together the larger story.

BRBL: One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is the way in which it blurs the line between reality and fiction. The narrator of the book is named Ebor Sisk, which is also your name. Can you explain the relationship between yourself and the narrator?

ES: (Laughs) Yes, that's a question I get a lot. The truth is, the narrator is a fictional character, but he shares some similarities with me. Like me, he is an Eastern European writer who has spent a lot of time thinking about the region's history and politics. But he is also very different from me in many ways. For one thing, he's much more cynical than I am!

BRBL: The book deals with some heavy themes, such as trauma, memory, and the weight of history. How did you approach writing about these topics?

ES: It was definitely a challenge. I think the key was to approach these themes with empathy and compassion, and to try to understand how they affect people on a personal level. I also tried to avoid being too didactic or preachy. I wanted to present the issues in a way that would allow readers to draw their own conclusions.

BRBL: So what are you working on next?

ES: I'm currently working on a two-book project, "Platypus Hide" and a working title "Platypus Cast." It's another set of stories, each with their own narrator, but with a different structure. The stories are more intertwined and interconnected than "Platypus Down," but they still maintain that element of mystery and intrigue. I am in no great hurry, not like this Elon. More like this James Cameron... a sculptor of books... books that are NOT for YOU. (Winks) 

BRBL: We look forward to reading them. Thank you for your time, Ebor Sisk. 

ES: Thank you for having me.

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