Sonali Prasad’s debut novel, Glass Bottom, is a mesmerizing journey through a landscape where human lives inter- sect with natural forces. With a deep-rooted connection to natural phenomena such as storms and seismic activity, Prasad’s novel captures the essence of how our existence is intertwined with the earth’s rhythms. The novel follows four central characters—Gul, Arth, Luni, and Himmo—the two mother-daughter pairs, as they navigate the upheavals within themselves and their surroundings.
Prasad discusses with us the inspirations behind her novel, the symbolic weight of her characters’ names, and the personal challenges she faced as a first-time author.
A SYMPHONY OF NATURAL RHYTHMS
In Glass Bottom, Prasad weaves a compelling connection between her characters and natural phenomena such as storms and seismic activity. When asked about this thematic choice, Prasad reflects on the deep connection between humanity and the earth. ‘We are inherently and irreducibly part of the earth’s rhythms—its quiet pace, slippages, and ruptures,’ she explains. ‘It’s a matter of being receptive and acknowledging those patterns.’ This perspective highlights how the natural world’s dynamic forces mirror the inner lives of her characters, creating a rich and immersive narrative environment.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TITLE
The novel’s title, Glass Bottom, evokes imagery of transparency and fragility. Prasad elaborates on this choice, suggesting that the title serves as a metaphor for the novel’s deeper themes. ‘It can be useful to imagine the ark as a glass-bottom boat,’ she says. ‘Transparent, fragile, making apparent the fold of the outside inside.’ This metaphor underscores the novel’s exploration of separation and unity, capturing the essence of experiences and language that are both ephemeral and enduring. Prasad draws inspiration from French philosopher Gilles Deleuze, referencing a line of Maurice Blanchot about ‘folding as an interiority of anticipation and exception.’ Through this lens, Prasad examines themes of feminine fold and shelter, offering a unique perspective on the novel’s structural and thematic layers.
SYMBOLISM IN CHARACTER NAMES
The names of characters in Glass Bottom—Gul, Arth, Luni, and Himmo—are imbued with symbolic significance. Prasad delves into the power and implications of naming in her story. ‘When you think about name as inheritance— the gift and burden of it, what it signifies, whose and what desire it is loaded with, what it does to our capacity to live—it brings you to the unnamed,’ she explains. The process of naming characters involves a delicate balance of potency and prophecy, reflecting their roles and jour- neys within the narrative. While she expresses admiration for names like Gul and Luni, Prasad also holds a special place for characters with evocative names such as Smiley and Copycat, underscoring the nuanced interplay between identity and symbolism in her work.
CHALLENGES OF DEBUT AUTHORSHIP
As a debut author, Prasad faced numerous challenges in bringing Glass Bottom to life. She acknowledges the inherent difficulties in the creative process, emphasizing the importance of writing with courage. ‘A good reminder for any writer is to write without fear,’ Prasad advises. ‘The pursuit is not easy—given the risks, social conditions, and the inevitable doubt that comes with the creation process—but it is vital to the craft.’ She highlights how language can absorb a writer’s fears and reward persever- ance, reflecting the broader challenges of artistic expres- sion and self-doubt.
HUMAN CONNECTION AND THE NATURAL WORLD
Prasad’s aspirations for her readers are deeply philosophical. She encourages exploring the novel without rigid preconceptions or categories. ‘All writing is about time and our complicated, specific existence,’ she notes. Prasad draws inspiration from T.S. Eliot’s Four Quartets, suggesting a contemplative approach to her text: ‘You are not here to verify, instruct yourself, or inform curi- osity, or carry report. You are here to kneel where prayer has been valid.’
Words Paridhi Badgotri
Date 26.08.2024