The Book of V. explores how the lives of three women across three different centuries overlap as their stories of sex, power, and desire converge in the present day. We spoke with author Anna Solomon about her inspiration, the audiobook, and what independent bookstores have meant to her and her family.
“Astounding! In the talented hands of Anna Solomon, the lives of three women in different eras come to life with equal vibrancy. A compelling look at the roles of women through time (ancient Persia, 1970s D.C., and Brooklyn in 2016), as well as what it means to have and use power and to feel safe in a relationship. So much material here for discussion. I cannot wait to put this into the hands of our readers!”
Caitlin Doggart, Where the Sidewalk Ends
Please tell us a little bit about what inspired you to write this book and how this story took shape for you.
I was born in the late 1970s, on the heels of the second wave women’s movement, and was raised with this idea that equality had now been won, at least for some women, and that we were sort of done with needing feminism. But as anyone who’s been paying attention to the #MeToo movement or watching Mrs. America knows, the reality is far more complex. I wanted to explore that. I also wanted to explore this mystery I’d been obsessed with since I was a little girl, about this fascinating woman in the Bible who is banished and never heard from again. I wanted to know, what happened to her? So… I made it up.
In two sentences or less, what’s something that might surprise Libro.fm listeners about your audiobook?
The three storylines converge in surprising ways and eventually collide in the present day. By the end you understand that these women, however different, have a lot in common.
Have you listened to your own audiobook? If so, what struck you about the narration?
Yes! I was amazed by how unique each voice was but also how naturally they worked together. I was also really moved by how beautifully these actresses captured the characters I created. It was like hearing them come to life.
Are you an audiobook listener? If so, what are some of your favorite audiobooks?
My very favorite are the Harry Potter books, narrated by Jim Dale. When we go on long rides, we listen with the kids, and I swear if we never stopped they wouldn’t realize they were in a car–his voice is that transporting.
What have independent bookstores and/or booksellers meant to you personally and professionally?
As a reader, independent booksellers are responsible for leading me to some of my favorite titles–for me, and for my kids. I love that personal interaction because the booksellers so clearly love the books they’re talking about, and I love hearing that passion. And as a writer, well, that same passion is being given to your work, and that’s something that just can’t be replicated by an algorithm, you know? When I think of booksellers connecting readers with my books, I feel incredibly grateful.
