Ten Questions with David Bergen

David Bergen is the award-winning author of four highly acclaimed novels: A Year of Lesser, See the Child, The Case of Lena S. and The Time in Between. His latest novel, The Retreat, was published this fall by McClelland & Stewart. David Bergen will be at Ben McNally/Globe & Mail Books & Brunch on Sunday, September 14. See our events page for details.

OB:

Tell us about your latest book, The Retreat.

DB:

A story of love between a white girl and an aboriginal boy and the tragedy that ensues.

OB:

How did you research your book?

DB:

I read a lot, traveled to the area, and as well I have spent time in Northwestern Ontario as a teenager and adult.

OB:

Did you have a specific readership in mind when you wrote your book?

DB:

Not really, though my books are more adult in theme and subject matter.

OB:

What was your first publication?

DB:

A short story called “Where you’re from” published in Prairie Fire.

OB:

If you had to choose three books as a “Welcome to Canada” gift, what would those books be?

DB:

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
The Great Code by Northrop Frye
The Diviners by Margaret Laurence

OB:

Describe your ideal writing environment.

DB:

I have a small bare-bones office in the Exchange District in downtown Winnipeg. No internet, no phone.

OB:

What are you reading right now?

DB:

The Red and the Black by Stendhal
How Fiction Works by James Wood

OB:

Describe the most memorable response you’ve received from a reader?

DB:

An American vet from the Vietnam War wrote to say that my characterization of Charles Boatman in The Time in Between was spot on.

OB:

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received as a writer?

DB:

Read, read, read.

OB:

What is your next project?

DB:

A novel, set in Canada and the United States, about an ex-missionary who works for the CIA.

"David Bergen is a master of taut, spare prose that’s both erotic and hypnotic. . . ." — Miriam Toews Read more about The Retreat by David Bergen at the McClelland & Stewart website.