Novelist Virginia Evans discussed her childhood reading habits and literary inspirations following her shortlisting for the Women's Prize for Fiction [1].
The interview highlights the role of imaginative literature in shaping a modern writer's perspective. Evans' recognition by the Women's Prize places her among a select group of contemporary authors being honored for their contribution to fiction [1].
Evans said she had an early relationship with reading and specific types of narratives that captured her attention. She described an attraction to surreal or unattainable concepts, stating, "I loved books about things that can’t exist" [1]. These memories often involve her childhood environment, where she recalled, "I picture us in the back of our family car or lying across our twin beds in ..." [1].
Her development as a writer was influenced by a diverse range of established authors. Evans cited John Steinbeck, Joan Didion, and Jhumpa Lahiri as key literary influences [1]. The novelist, who is in her 30s, explored how these writers helped her understand the craft of storytelling and the emotional resonance of the written word [1].
Throughout the discussion, Evans said books that challenge the boundaries of reality are important. By focusing on the impossible, she suggests that literature can provide a unique lens through which to view the human experience [1]. Her current success with the Women's Prize shortlist serves as a milestone in a career built on these foundational reading experiences [1].
“I loved books about things that can’t exist.”
The shortlisting of Virginia Evans for the Women's Prize underscores a continuing critical interest in fiction that blends imaginative, 'impossible' elements with grounded literary influences. Her trajectory from a childhood reader of surrealism to a recognized novelist reflects a broader trend in contemporary literature where authors draw from both classic realism and speculative curiosity to reach a global audience.
