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Randomness of Being Human
A Coincidental Life follows the lives of two friends from Brooklyn who are reunited years later in San Francisco in a chance encounter. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
To say that it came to me in a dream would be a stretch of literary license. However, I did awake one night and vividly recall a bus stop meeting in San Francisco that did occur 47 years ago. I then began recalling other coincidental events that have occurred over my long lifetime. That led me to embellish and ultimately create events/situations that could/should/might have occurred. I also wanted to continue the narrative umbilical cord in Stevie Alpert’s life, the protagonist of my first novel.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
The evolution in thinking/perception over one’s lifetime. Also the capricious randomness of most everyone’s life story. In A Coincidental Life my 18-year-old self asks my octogenarian self “how did you get here, old man?” My response is “I have no idea.”
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Yes, the book’s main theme is an exploration of the randomness of being human. How much of our life do we control and how much is synchronicity, serendipity, coincidence or the whims of forces we cannot comprehend. I don’t have the answer. The reader may believe that he or she is in control of their life. I suspect you are a younger person. I felt absolutely certain of that when I was 16. Now, 65 years later, I absolutely do not. Not totally, maybe partially. But as each day passes that ‘partially’ slips down a notch or two.
Examining the complex personality of Billy Feeney was another challenge. Why would someone so intelligent, handsome, athletic and charming be so self-destructive? There are many clues in his life story but they only hint at his inner being.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
While still working on promoting my current novel A Coincidental Life along with my publisher Atmosphere Press, for my next novel I’ve decided to break away from the day-to-day recognizable world and place my characters in a fantastical setting. I’ve always enjoyed reading about the lives of historical figures and wondering what would happen if Abe Lincoln or Mahatma Gandhi met Julius Caesar or Genghis Khan? I’ve begun perusing the lives of several famous political and military leaders, dissenters, writers, and poets to find the ‘perfect’ pair to juxtapose against one another.
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At the heart of the narrative lies Billy, a figure shrouded in enigma, setting in motion a series of bewildering and seemingly inexplicable actions that defy conventional understanding. Against this backdrop, Stevie’s life story intricately weaves into Billy’s, sparking a chain of events that blur the lines between choice and happenstance. As the characters navigate the crossroads of their interwoven fates, the delicate threads of choice and cosmic alignment are artfully entwined.
Throughout A Coincidental Life, the intricate interplay between agency and the obscured prompts readers to contemplate a profound existential question: Do the reins of our lives rest in our hands, or are we subjects to the whims of coincidence, serendipity, and the veiled forces of destiny?
A Coincidental Life
A Coincidental Life delves into the intricate lives of Stevie and Billy, whose paths cross in New York, weaving a tale of lifelong friendship, marked by a spectrum of emotional highs and lows, and interspersed with profound philosophical musings.
Kemper’s portrayal of the protagonists is notably intricate, presenting them as deeply flawed yet aspirational figures. This complexity is compelling, often blurring the lines between fiction and reality for the reader. Stevie’s unique brand of determinism, devoid of divine intervention, contrasts sharply with Billy’s occasional surrender to primal instincts over intellect. This dichotomy not only enriches their characters but also evokes empathy from the reader as they navigate through their triumphs and setbacks, often reverting to old, self-destructive patterns.
Kemper’s skill as an author shines in these character studies, offering insightful glimpses into not only the protagonists’ lives but also the lives they touch. Kemper’s bold choice to fluidly transition between different timelines – the future, past, and present – is a testament to his creative storytelling, although at times it might require the reader to adjust to the pace and perspective shifts. The depiction of Stevie in his later years, notably critical of modern advancements and lacking in certain social graces, offers a stark contrast to his younger self. This aspect, while initially surprising, adds a layer of complexity to his character, inviting readers to explore the multifaceted nature of human behavior and perception.
A Coincidental Life stands as a compelling character study underpinned by Kemper’s adept characterizations. While the narrative structure presents challenges, the depth and realism of the characters anchor the story effectively. Kemper demonstrates a solid foundation in storytelling, with room for refinement in narrative techniques to further enhance the impact of his work.
Pages: 255 | ASIN : B0CV7TBCC4
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