Jayne Pupek’s first novel Tomato Girl is scheduled for publication August 26, by the prestigious southern publisher Algonquin Press. Pupek is something of an anomaly in today’s publishing world; although she had published a book of poetry, Tomato Girl is her first novel and both getting an agent and getting a publisher were rather easier than most first-time novelists find.
“Sometimes the stars align the right way,” says Pupek.
She had originally put the novel away for a time, after getting a “bite” from an agent that didn’t work out but later her search for representation took only weeks.
“Fortunately, I ended up with someone who is knowledgeable, smart, funny, and my best first reader. I trust her skills and judgment, which is critical in a relationship like this,” says Pupek.
On top of that, the first house her agent showed the book to, Algonquin, was interested. Pupek, who lives in Richmond, Virginia, was thrilled: “I think any writer would be honored to be published by Algonquin, but it means even more to a writer from the South.”
Below is an interview I recently conducted with Pupek. The novel was reviewed here on Blogcritics by me on August 15.
The novel begins quietly and then picks up steam. It is also told from the point of view of a child. Were those stumbling blocks to getting the book published?
No, not at all.
What brought you to the story of Tomato Girl? How would you describe the novel in one sentence?
Tomato Girl began as a narrative poem that I wrote in response to the prompt, RED. I returned to this poem when I decided to write a novel.
In one sentence, Tomato Girl is the story of a child's resilience in the face of unspeakable loss and sorrow.
Describe for us what you think a Southern Gothic novel is and why this is one.
Southern Gothic literature derived from the larger Gothic genre and typically includes some combination of supernatural elements, mental disease, and the grotesque. Southern Gothic literature primarily uses these elements to explore social issues rather than for suspense. Damaged and delusional characters figure prominently in this genre.
Tomato Girl easily fits into the Southern Gothic genre. Ellie's mother is clearly mentally ill, and Tess is also a pathetic character. Both Baby Tom and Tess' father qualify as grotesque. There are supernatural elements with Clara's magic. Tomato Girl raises social issues, including those of racial division and the stigma and isolation of mental illness.
Article comments