So it has all come to me as a beautiful surprise. And I also understood that there’s just no guarantees, right? Part of publishing a book is letting go and giving up control and sort of trusting that it finds its readers in the world and finds its home in the world. I really tried to swing for the fences with it. I hoped very hard for “All This Could Be Different” because I really gave it my all, I gave it everything. I think I hoped very hard for this novel. So I felt somewhat acquainted with this idea that you can put your work out there, and it will not find a home, let alone a warm reception. If I look at the work I’ve submitted, over the decade or so I spent trying to be a writer in some capacity before sort of pursuing it in a more professional context, I think I’ve probably amassed over - like, 150-plus rejections. Thankam Mathews: I mean, absolutely not, you know? I think I sort of felt this complicated feeling when “All This Could Be Different” came out because while it is my first published book, it’s not the first book I’ve ever written. Were you expecting this kind of response for your first novel? It was also a finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction last year. Williams: Speaking of recognition, this is your debut novel. And I’m just really grateful to have my book be in such wonderful company with the other shortlist authors and longlisters.Īnd I’m grateful, frankly, for any recognition shown to my little book, which I feel sort of tender and protective and sort of wonder-filled feelings around in that it’s this part of me that’s like now out in the world, doing its thing. Over the years, I have - as a reader and then a fledgling, hopeful aspiring writer - I read so many books on the shortlist and also prizewinners as they came out.
Sarah Thankam Mathews: It feels absolutely amazing. The Pitkin County Library will livestream the ceremony at a watch party that night from 4-6 p.m. And now, the author’s first published novel has made her a finalist for the $35,000 Aspen Words Literary Prize, which honors one author of any nationality for a work of fiction that has a social impact.Īspen Words, a local literary hub with programs tied to the Aspen Institute, will announce the winner at an award ceremony in New York City on April 19. The book follows its protagonist to first job, her first love, and her first real friendships. In “All this Could Be Different,” author Sarah Thankam Mathews tells a story about coming of age, immigration, and sexuality through a young Indian woman’s move to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Aspen Words will announce the winner on April 19.
“All This Could Be Different” author Sarah Thankam Mathews is one of five finalists for this year’s Aspen Words Literary Prize, which honors works of fiction with a social impact.
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