Andrew Sean Greer Reading
Andrew Sean Greer reads from his novel entitled The Confessions of Max Tivoli. Greer explains that Max, the protagonist of the novel, grows physically younger as the years of his life pass by. Greer shares how this convention allows him to explore both romantic and family relationships at different points in Max’s life, as well as the complexities of childhood and later adulthood. Greer points out that Max’s strange ability to age in reverse is the only implausible aspect of the novel; he otherwise worked hard to create a realistic novel.
Greer discusses why he chose to set the novel at the turn of the 19th century, claiming that he thought that the story fit well with other “imaginitive” stories of the time such as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. He also felt that setting the book in the past would “put a little fairy dust over it”, making it seem as if there was a probability that the story could have actually taken place. Greer goes on to detail a few of the outcomes of Max’s ability to age in reverse, pointing out that Max goes through reverse puberty and as a result becomes somewhat of a eunuch.
Greer discusses the possibility of his book becoming a film, claiming that he would appreciate the financial security. On the other hand, Greer explains, “it would be great to write a totally unfilmable book, because that would mean that it’s a booky-book [sic].” Greer ends by discussing the joys of sharing a talent for fiction writing with his twin brother, Michael.
In: "Live from Prairie Lights" Audio Archive | Fiction
Authors: Andrew Sean Greer
Date Recorded: February 18, 2005
Works Read: The Confessions of Max Tivoli, by Andrew Sean Greer
Program: Live From Prairie Lights
Format: reading
Contributors: Introduction by host Julie Englander.
Topics: 19th century, aging, writing conventions, writing process