Questions for Govier

1. Unlike some of the other novels we've read during this semester, including Plath's "Bell Jar" and Tremblay's "The Fat Woman Next Door is Pregnant" which have been roughly autobiographical and Vonnegut's "Player Piano" and Atwood's "Handmaid's Tale" which have make a political statement, the intent of your novel is less clear. There seem to be disparate elements both in terms of it being a personal tale and making some sort of social statement regarding the pearl trade, but these references prove fleeting. My question is thus, was there any one thing in particular that you meant to convey through this story; what should the reader take away from it?

2. The story is told from several points of view-- old Vera, young Vera, the sword polisher, just to name a few. Each adds a new piece to the puzzle and adds insight regarding the pasts of the other characters; what prompted you to write the novel in this format, as opposed to being more up front with the characters' histories?

3. With regards to my previous question, at the novel's beginning I personally found it difficult to sympathize with the character Vera-- in spite of her tragic history, she exhibits behavior in the novel's early pages that is somewhat bizarre, and definitely selfish-- particularly with regards to her relationships with her grandfather and Keiko. As the novel progresses Vera seems to come into her own and becomes a more agreeable character and one that is easier to associate with; was this your intent, and if so why? (ie. what was the "intent behind the intent")