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Where Do Ideas Come From?
id: A Novel follows a psychologist haunted by her father’s past who seeks to discover if humans have a choice over their path in life or if it is predetermined at birth. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I think this is the hardest question. It’s a bit like asking, where do ideas come from? I’ve always been interested in the notion or concept of truth, but more as an abstract concept. What is it, what does it mean and how it can be usurped to have multiple meanings? That it’s almost impossible to understand the truth until we’re able to get inside someone’s head. It may sound a little paranoid, but we’re ambiguous by nature. It’s partly a self-defence mechanism and partly a lack of confidence, but we seldom say what we mean because we never know how it will be taken.
To be really honest with another person is a massive leap of faith and an incredibly brave thing to do. So when you combine that with the idea that opposing forces construct our psyche, I think you have the essence of a really interesting idea.
I’ve always loved the notion that right and wrong are really invented constructs to protect society and dependent on what society believes will determine what constitutes right and wrong behaviour. Imagine if these constructs didn’t exist.
Each of the main characters have a rich backstory and complex personalities fitting for a psychological thriller. What was your writing process to ensure you captured the essence of the characters?
I’m not sure I have a writing process, I just felt that every character deserves more than being painted as a black and white cardboard cut out. Every person we come across in life is neither good nor bad, we’re all shades of grey. Some of us skew towards a different shade, but I think it’s important to understand why we do the things we do before we judge. Take Frank, he’s a total psychopath, but it’s not his fault. He knows he’s different and wants to understand why. It’s important to recognise that he’s not bad, in one sense, as in he’s not acting in a consciously malevolent way that goes against what he believes, more so he’s just doing what comes naturally. Plus I didn’t want single dimensional characters that are there to drive the story, if they don’t have something to add, they don’t get to be in the book.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book, and what questions did you want to leave readers with when they finished the novel?
Truth, understanding, compassion. Plus there’s a lot of biblical references in there. I think the biggest question I’d like to leave readers with is, who am I? If you can self evaluate and understand yourself a little better, I think the world will be a better place. If you know yourself, it means you can change.
What is the next book that you’re working on and when can your fans expect it out?
I’ve got a few ideas. Another is based on similar themes, about truth, what it means etc. But I’m currently working on a comedy. Id was pretty dark and I felt I needed something light to work on. It does still cover some pretty heavy themes, but with humour.
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Dr. Shelly, a brilliant psychologist, forever haunted by her father and his murderous past, is driven by the need to find out why we do the things we do? Is the concept of free will just a concept and nothing more, a construct that blinds us to a less palatable truth, that who we are is predetermined and encoded at birth? Does anyone really choose to do the bad things we do or are we just doing what comes naturally?
Shelly constructs an experiment using a sensory deprivation tank and virtual reality, allowing the darkest part of ourselves, the id, to run free. Unencumbered by morality or remorse, Shelly finds the perfect subject in Adam. A borderline psychotic born into a world of neglect and crime. Delving into the deepest pits of his subconscious, Shelly surfaces with far more than she bargained for.
Detective Hopper, responsible for Adam’s capture, remains a broken man. After suffering a breakdown due to the escalation of his own violent behavior, he is placed under the care of Dr Shelly. Encouraging him to go looking for his own redemption, Hopper becomes a pawn in her web of deception until the lines of reality are redrawn as Hopper and Adam come full circle to an explosive end.
Id: A Novel is a unique, brilliant, psychological thriller which questions and shines light on the depths of the human psyche, the concept of free will, nature or nurture and what drives unacceptable, depraved and even murderous human behaviors. A must-read for fans of psychological thrillers who crave a new, fascinating and intelligent reading experience. Spark’s intricate exploration of the human psyche, combined with his skillful storytelling and innovative ideas, make this novel a true gem that will leave readers questioning the depths of human nature.
Chick Lit Café
id: A Novel
id: A Novel, by Kevin Spark, is an immersive entry in the genre of psychological thrillers and creates an intricate narrative largely centered around a unique setting – a zoo. The story has a cast of diverse characters; one standout character is that of Detective Hopper.
Spark masterfully delves into the murky underworld of drug trafficking and animal fighting, providing a penetrating examination of the criminal psyche. In an intriguing twist of biblical interpretation, the novel employs the story of Adam and Eve to illuminate themes of sin and innocence, with Eve emerging untainted from the materialistic world while Adam bears the burden of a dark past. Adding an extra layer of complexity, Dr. Shelley, a psychiatrist, navigates the labyrinthine corridors of memory, thereby propelling the narrative forward.
The subtle writing style of Spark piques the reader’s curiosity by giving just enough information to imply a rich backdrop, resulting in a narrative layered with intrigue and depth. Numerous subplots dovetail seamlessly with the main narrative, enhancing the texture of the story. The characters’ pasts emerge as crucial aspects of their present lives, though their full stories remain tantalizingly veiled.
As is typical of the psychological thriller genre, the narrative occasionally veers into violent and macabre territory. The reader is invited on a disquieting journey through a landscape punctuated with dark thoughts and unsettling experiences. Scenes of action and violence are vividly portrayed in unflinching detail, laying bare the stark realities of life.
Despite the shadowy ambiance, the story is meticulously plotted. The characters are flawed, complex, and realistic, making for intriguing studies in character development, albeit sometimes evoking figures difficult to discern in everyday life.
I would heartily recommend id: A Novel to those with a keen interest in criminal psychology or the enduring impact of past traumas on one’s life. However, those of a more sensitive disposition should be forewarned: the explicit descriptions of violence, detailed exploration of psychological depths, and the characters’ darker musings may be unsettling.
id: A Novel leaves an unforgettable impact. The characters and their dilemmas infiltrate the reader’s subconscious, resurfacing in thoughts long after the final page is turned. The novel itself seems to emulate the intricacies of the subconscious mind, revealing fragments of events while preserving an air of mystery until the very end.
Pages: 332 | ASIN : B0BKH85WVM
LITERARY TITAN 