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Mental Illness and Its Triggers
Ogden’s Proverb follows a teenage boy enrolled in a prestigious private academy who struggles under the weight of familial expectations and self-discovery. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I did attend such a school as a teenager, so I thought it would be a good setting and lead to a good story, and that my personal experience would lend a sense of authenticity as well. I realize the setting itself might not be familiar to everyone, but the issues Ogden faces are universal as your review points out, and I think it’s very important to see similarities among people regardless of whether their life circumstances are familiar or not. I’m hoping this is the case. Alcoholism, alienation, first love, and pressing life experiences transcend the setting and hopefully connect with all readers. And I like to think humor helps.
Ogden’s story is one that many readers will be able to relate to and see pieces of themselves in the story. Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
I like this question. The answer is yes, specifically as it applies to Adam. While much of the story takes on its own life as a piece of fiction, the character of Adam is very close to the truth. I had this experience while at school and it has stayed with me all my life. I wanted to keep the memory of him alive, so including him in this story not only added to the real complexities facing Ogden, but allowed me to give Adam’s life extended meaning and context. I am so delighted to be able to do this, and I hope Adam’s life touches readers much as it has mine. And this is why I like this question so much.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to thoroughly look at alcoholism and its impact upon generations, first love in all its awkwardness, alienation, and the result of familial change in one’s life, and first experience with the intimacy of death. These are large topics but they need attention as they do often happen without forewarning or the ability to prepare. How they impact a coming-of-age teenager gives lots of room to deal with them with the appropriate sensibilities, including humor. I hope these issues transcend the basic story and give a sense of the enormity of life and the imperfect way we all must deal with them, and how we grow as a result of this imperfection.
In addition, it’s important to point out that the main character Ogden begins to realize he suffers from anxiety in an understated way, but doesn’t quite know it yet, so some of his experiences with panic attacks and obsessiveness when encountering life events point to a larger theme of mental illness and its triggers. This is such an important theme – maybe the most important – as it reflects the perceived “imperfect” ways we are forced to deal with life, though there is nothing imperfect about it. I’d like to help raise the awareness of this.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently shifting back to poetry as that seems to be the muse right now. I never plan when the next book will come out – I just keep writing, whether prose or poetry, until I get something that looks promising. I tend to write slowly, and I don’t really believe in writer’s block. If I’m not able to write for a period of time, I’ve found it’s because I’m processing something that will eventually emerge. So I don’t care how long it takes; I have grown to greatly respect the value of quiet time and subconscious processing. If I could offer any advice to writers, it would be to write however works best for you and be unapologetic about it. What works for one does not necessarily work for another, and it’s much too easy to compare yourself to other writers and their habits and feel diminished. Do you, and don’t look back.
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“With All Thy Getting, Get Understanding.” What does that even mean, a teenaged Ogden Skully pondered as he tried to make sense of his new life. And his first girlfriend, his parent’s troubling influence on him, and a tragic episode at the private prep school he had been sent to without his permission, where he knew he didn’t belong, and which sported that perplexing proverb. As an older Ogden looks back at his life and discovers through these experiences, and more, exactly when and how he became the person he would always be, he realizes just what “… Get Understanding” requires.
Ogden’s Proverb
Ogden’s Proverb, by John McCluskey, is a reflective and deeply personal novel that follows the narrator, Ogden Skully, as he recounts his journey from adolescence to adulthood. Set against the backdrop of the prestigious Hamden Academy, the novel captures Ogden’s experiences dealing with familial expectations, social alienation, and self-discovery. The narrative is rich with nostalgia and universal themes, exploring Ogden’s relationships, challenges, and growth.
One of the standout aspects is McCluskey’s writing style. His long, flowing sentences and introspective depth evoke a sense of catharsis and inevitability. This style effectively immerses the reader in Ogden’s internal world, making his struggles and triumphs deeply felt. The prose is particularly engaging during moments of emotional intensity, such as Ogden’s poignant memories of his grandfather and the complex feelings surrounding his young love and social discomfort.
The characters in the novel are well-drawn and relatable, each adding depth to Ogden’s story. The relationships he forms, especially with Adam and Chloe, are touching and highlight his vulnerability and resilience. McCluskey’s portrayal of Ogden’s experiences with his family, particularly his father’s high expectations and absence, adds a layer of authenticity and emotional weight to the narrative. The depiction of Ogden’s interactions at Hamden Academy, including his encounters with wealth and privilege, further enriches the story.
What I appreciated most about Ogden’s Proverb is its exploration of universal themes such as identity, legacy, and the search for belonging. The novel delves into the discomfort of feeling out of place and the desire for acceptance, which are experiences many readers can relate to. The rich, nostalgic details and McCluskey’s ability to evoke a sense of time and place make the story engaging and immersive. The book also effectively addresses the themes of trauma and redemption, creating a nuanced and compelling coming-of-age story.
Ogden’s Proverb is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that I highly recommend. McCluskey’s ability to capture the essence of adolescence and the complexities of personal growth makes this book a worthwhile read. It is particularly suited for readers who enjoy introspective narratives and coming-of-age stories with emotional and cultural depth. If you are looking for a novel that explores the intricacies of identity, family, and finding one’s place in the world, this book is an excellent choice.
Pages: 185 | ASIN : B0B9VLJHBB
LITERARY TITAN 