Sometimes the Beauty is in the Little Things

Yesterday I did an interview on twitter using #writechat with novelist Peter Fogtdal, author of the novel THE TSAR’S DWARF. which I transpose here.

THE TSAR’S DWARF – Sorine a Danish dwarf tormented by her past is given as a present to Peter Tsar of Russia.

You can follow Peter @danish_novelist and his book @thetsarsdwarf on twitter.

I first became aware of Peter’s book through #litchat which is every MWF 4-5 pm EST, where writers chat about their books, gr8 idea. I bought his book and read it and Peter agree to a Q&A.

Peter Fogtdal

DOUG BREMNER: When and how did you first get the idea to write a novel about a dwarf in 18th cent Denmark and Russia?

PETER FOGTDAL: Initially I wanted to write a novel about Peter the Great, but then I read he collected dwarfs & the novel took off

DOUG BREMNER: What interests you about the character of a dwarf in a novel? #writechat

PETER FOGTDAL: I want to say something about how we treat people who are “weird”. Novel is about human dignity, not dwarfs as such

DOUG BREMNER: What kind of research did you do for the book? Were dwarves really called nonhuman in 18th century?

PETER FOGTDAL: Dwarfs were called “it”, not he/she in the 18th century. They were considered toys and at best treated like lap dogs

DOUG BREMNER: Your MC Sorine leads a tragic life but somehow “even she” emerges as human. Did you spend a year in the head of a dwarf?

PETER FOGTDAL: I spent a year in the head of a funny, dark FEMALE dwarf who despises the world but end up accepting it. Another important theme: If you’ve been harassed by everyone, how is that gonna effect your view of God?

DOUG BREMNER: What is your view of Peter the Great Tsar of Russia? Did your view change after the book? Was he flawed? Typical King?

PETER FOGTDAL:Russia’s Peter the Great was a brilliant genius & psychopath, ruthless, energetic, intuitive, eclectic, I love him!

DOUG BREMNER: OK thanks for taking questions.

My bottom line? I found THE TSAR’S DWARF to be a fascinating tale of the capacity for human redemption. Good job Peter and good luck with the book!