Photo credit: www.publishersweekly.com
This week’s edition of Endnotes features Cary Groner’s compelling novel, The Way (Spiegel & Grau, December). Set in a world ravaged by a catastrophic avian flu outbreak, the story presents a vivid portrayal of a dystopian future. Reviewers at PW praised Groner for crafting a persuasive narrative filled with dynamic characters and action that breathes new life into a genre that has seen its share of repetition.
Below are insights regarding the creation of this thought-provoking book:
Cary Groner
Author
“My goal was to delve into profound existential questions that have lingered throughout history. These inquiries, though age-old, remain relevant: How do we navigate the tightrope between altruism and self-interest? In a perilous world, how can I minimize harm while striving for survival? Do I overemphasize death—or perhaps underestimate its significance? While grappling with these themes, I aspired to write an engaging narrative rather than a philosophical essay, which often proved to be a delicate balance to achieve.”
Cindy Spiegel
Co-CEO and Editor, Spiegel & Grau
“I had the pleasure of publishing Cary Groner’s impressive debut novel, Exiles, over ten years ago. In July 2023, he reached out for advice on securing an agent, having completed a new manuscript. Although I initially intended to review it, other commitments distracted me. When I revisited my inbox in December, Cary’s email caught my attention. I opened the attachment and found myself engrossed for hours. This led to us hashing out a deal directly, without involving an agent.”
Madeline Partner
Cover Designer
“The cover features a painting by Icelandic artist Thorgrimur Einarsson, whose vibrant and magnetic style fits perfectly with the themes of the novel. His expressive brushwork resonates with the nuances of a dystopian tale that challenges our expectations. I experimented with around 40 different design concepts, and once we settled on a direction, it took just a few adjustments to finalize the cover.”
A version of this article was published in the 11/25/2024 issue of Publishers Weekly as part of the Endnotes segment.
Source
www.publishersweekly.com