Books / Fiction
Interview: Patrick Langley
Patrick Langley’s debut novel, Arkady, has received widespread acclaim. In the run up to his appearance at Spike Island later this month he spoke to Bristol 24/7 about the book and his writing.
Arkady has already had lots of praise from many writers including Sara Baume and Kevin Barry. Have you been surprised by how well it has been received?
Publishing a first novel is an exciting and affirming experience, but a nerve-wracking one too. As soon as my publisher sent out the early proof copies, all the old doubts flared up. I started to wonder if I’d written a terrible book. Then writers I’ve never had contact with, but whose work I really admire, wrote back to say they were enjoying the novel. I was surprised, delighted, and relieved. When Max Porter tweeted to say he loved it, I felt slightly drunk.
is needed now More than ever
Are the settings in Arkady based on anywhere in particular, especially the Red Citadel?
I wanted the world of Arkady to feel at once familiar and strange, recognisably real but disturbingly dream-like. To achieve that, I collaged the book together from real and imagined places. The Red Citadel is partly based on a housing occupation I spent some time in north London, and the radical communities I met there. But I transplanted it into a city that is never named, which I largely invented, where economic inequality and the housing crisis are even worse than in real life.
Arkady is the first debut novel independent publisher Fitzcarraldo have brought out. How much of a confidence boost did that give to your writing?
I’m biased, of course, but I think small presses like Fitzcarraldo are the most exciting publishers in the UK at the moment. They’re willing to take risks, develop unusual voices, and offer something different to the mainstream. So I’m thrilled to be working with them, and yes, it was a much-needed boost to my confidence to work with such an exciting, distinctive publisher.
What influence has the art world had on your writing?
Arkady emerged from a desire to tell a story, and to reflect the politically charged atmosphere of the present moment. So it has more connection to the novels I’ve read and loved than the art I’ve seen. But there are subtle hints of art-world influence there, from Eva Hesse’s sculptures to Derek Jarman’s films and more besides. I think about art all the time. It changes how I see the world, so naturally it influences how I write.
Which do you prefer, writing criticism/reviews or writing fiction?
Since I was young, I’ve wanted to tell stories and build fictional worlds. So I would say that fiction is the deeper love. But I’m also fascinated, disturbed, annoyed, and sometimes bored by art. I’m very fortunate to be able to write about both.
Patrick Langley will be discussing his novel, Arkady, at Spike Island on March 22 at 6.30pm. Full information is available at www.spikeisland.org.uk/events/talks/novel-writers-patrick-langley/
Read more: Interview with debut novelist J.J. Bola
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