An Interview with Natacha Pavlov

Born in Brussels, Belgium, Natacha Pavlov is a multicultural Christian author of German, Russian, and Christian Palestinian heritage. Her latest novel Jayida, set in sixth-century pre-Islamic Arabia, has been called “a magnum opus of historical fiction.” She also authored the historical novel The Well-Loved Demon on the eighteenth-century French King Louis XV; the short story collection Our Lives Are Fairy Tales; the novella Nicola’s Leg, about her Russian family’s relocation to Jerusalem in light of the Russian Revolution; and the short story collection Twisted Reflections. She is currently at work on more historical fiction of various genres and lengths.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I think that being a reader and receiving a diary as a child helped unconsciously fuel my love of writing. Still, as a French-speaking kid in late 80s-early 90s Brussels, I had no idea that I’d eventually write books, let alone in English. What began with poems was much later followed by short stories, and as this helped build confidence to tackle longer works, my deepening love of history suggested the historical fiction genre. While I believe in the therapeutic qualities of art for art’s sake, I generally write from a wish to preserve a certain event, mood and/or setting, perhaps not unlike fairy tales, which is another fond childhood influence.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

It didn’t take very long, and was even amusingly obvious in retrospect. Jayida is a retelling of a segment of the huge Arabic epic cycle, Sirat ‘Antar. Likely dating to the twelfth century (and, thus, six centuries after my novel!), this written fictional account tells of the heroic deeds of the mixed-race poet, ‘Antarah ibn Shaddad. Since the segment in question is called “Khaled and Djaida,” I initially flirted with it and other titles, but as it became clear that Jayida is the focal point of the trio with Khaled and ‘Antarah, I had my final title.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

A mix of changed circumstances and my own creative choices ultimately led me to design my book cover. This visual aspect of book creation puts you in such a different creative mental space than writing, and while it can be both fun and frustrating, it was another reminder of how motivating and empowering it can be for a writer to be in charge of their own product.

Since I was adamant about portraying something that was as close to the sixth century and characters as possible, the featured mosaic served as a fitting historical and emotional connection to the era, as it’s one that the characters could’ve experienced themselves. After years of seemingly endless toil, when I finally had my review copy in my hands, I cried and had it on a nearby table to happily wake up to the next day.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

It definitely does, beginning with the track featured in my book trailer, called “Mandala” by Marga Sol. Other eclectic favorites of mine include: “Muel” by Sarma, “Moments in Love” by Art of Noise, “Sky Giant” by Transglobal Underground & Natacha Atlas, “Breather” by Laika, and “Just A Glance” by Simrit (both the original and SaQi Remix). Another gem is Farya Faraji’s “Justinian Epic Symphony” for an east-meets-west adventure through the life of the contemporary sixth-century Emperor Justinian the Great. A timely surprise also came in hearing Dave Matthews Band’s “The Space Between” while editing. For the first time I was serendipitously struck by its theme and lyrics: “We’re strange allies / With warring hearts / What a wild-eyed beast you be.” I momentarily froze at how evocative this imagery is of my story. I love this perfect reminder of how varied art forms can connect across genres and take on new meaning in your life.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I hope they take away a more nuanced view of the multicultural Middle East and lesser-known events, including the important role of Christianity in the region. For different reasons, this part of the world is often misunderstood and while that’s a harder part of the human experience, storytelling can help to alleviate some stereotypes. Overall I hope that it’s a memorable desert ride.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

Persistence! Relief! Gratitude for discerning readers!

What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?

I’m currently working on a historical fiction novel set in eighteenth-century France, featuring a prominent painter, a dashing Russian prince, and the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg. The one lined up after that will lean Gothic based on a harrowing case in early twentieth-century Brussels. I have others projected, too—so many stories, so little time!—but it’s best to take it one day at a time.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.