Q&A: Josephine Taylor, Author of ‘Eye of a Rook’

Josephine Taylor has written an exciting new historical novel about two women who experience chronic pain – one in Victorian London and one in present day Perth. We had the pleasure of chatting with Josephine about Eye of a Rook, her writing journey, book recommendations and more.

Hi, Josephine! Tell us a bit about yourself!

Once upon a time I was a psychotherapist. The sudden onset of crippling gynaecological pain in 2000 forced me to surrender my career and I spent some years isolated and working out how to manage symptoms that wouldn’t go away. Eventually the disorder was identified as vulvodynia and, as there were no easy answers around causes or treatment, I began researching and writing what became a PhD thesis – an investigative memoir. This in turn became source material for my novel Eye of a Rook, which I began writing in 2013. Now I am an Associate Editor at the literary journal Westerly and an Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Writing at Edith Cowan University. I wouldn’t wish what was often an excruciating journey on anyone, but I’m very grateful for where it has led me!

Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author and the one you can’t stop thinking about!

I’m sure I read many books ahead of it, but the YA novel A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle, has always intrigued me. I remember being opened up by it on first reading, and filled with a sense of wonder, excitement and expansion. As I grew older, I increasingly appreciated its forays into physics and the nature of evil. Important reading for those interested in totalitarianism and cult thinking.

When did you first discover your love of reading?

I’ve been reading for as long as I can remember. I’m the youngest of four children and an introvert, and I found my happiest times were when I was by myself with a book. I’ve never lost the feeling of freedom that reading offers me. Now I focus on new releases in Australian fiction and bake cakes to match them, posted on Instagram (#FridayCookBook)!

Your new novel is out now. If you could describe it in five words what would they be?

Pain Loss Creativity Transformation Redemption

What can readers expect?

To be engaged immediately by a compelling narrative that challenges current understandings of chronic gynaecological pain and explores the possibilities of creativity and love.

In researching the history of hysteria to make sense of her inexplicable disorder, Perth writer Alice Tennant is changed by what she learns, drawing away from her husband Duncan. In Victorian England, Arthur Rochdale seeks help for his wife, Emily, consulting real-life surgeon Isaac Baker Brown and contemplating his radical treatment for hysteria. Through following the lives and decisions of these two women, the reader discovers what has changed in the intervening 150 years and, more importantly, what has not.

What inspired you to write the novel?

I was prompted to write the novel by my own experience of living with vulvodynia. More directly, I was incensed by the fact that so little is known about a condition that affects so many, with 10% to 25% of all women experiencing some form of vulvar pain or discomfort lasting three months or longer at some point in their lives. But I also wanted to write something beautiful – to communicate the importance of creativity in responding to the struggles we all experience at some point in our lives.

What were the challenges you faced when writing it and how did you overcome them?

Like most writers, I had to balance writing with work. Fortunately, I worked in fields associated with writing, which meant there was some crossover between my different worlds. Teaching creative writing and Australian fiction at ECU till 2016 actively helped me in developing my craft and applying what I was teaching to my own work. Editing freelance and then as Associate Editor at Westerly (from 2017) brought rigour and objectivity to my writing, especially in the editing phases. So, though my daytime jobs sometimes seemed to compete, I can see now that they contributed to the writing of Eye of a Rook.

What were the parts of the novel you loved bringing to the page?

I enjoyed writing the whole novel, to be honest! I did form a special bond with Arthur from the get-go, though, and found it hard to let him go once I’d finished. I loved researching Victorian England and bringing a vibrant, smelly and dirty London to life. Writing Emily’s letters was also great fun, as she formed her personality as I wrote them. Bringing snippets of my own research into Alice’s meant I could communicate some of what I’d discovered in researching the history of hysteria, which was wonderfully gratifying.

What’s the best and worst writing advice you’ve ever received?

Best: Don’t try to be someone other than who you are as a writer.

Worst: Write first, edit later. (I tend to edit as I write, which works very well for me!)

What’s next for you?

I’m full of ideas for a novel with subject matter around intergenerational trauma, genetics, epigenetics and the nature/nurture debate.

Do you have any reading recommendations for our readers?

In recent non-fiction, I loved Hysteria (NewSouth), ‘a memoir of illness, strength and women’s stories throughout history’; Katerina Bryant’s writing is thoughtful, welcoming and assured.

In poetry, I really enjoyed Rebecca Jensen’s collection ‘Ask Me About the Future’ (UQP); Jensen experiments with form to find the perfect fit with a poem’s subject matter and tone.

Last year saw a wealth of new releases in Australian fiction, including Kate Mildenhall’s The Mother Fault (Simon & Schuster), Donna Mazza’s Fauna (Allen & Unwin) and Catherine Noske’s The Salt Madonna (Picador) – all terrific reads. A standout for me is Carol Lefevre’s Murmurations (Spinifex); like Robert Lukin’s brilliant debut novel from 2018, The Everlasting Sunday (UQP), it is majestic in ethical scope and a masterclass in restraint.

Just a small handful of beautiful books from my epic finished pile!

Will you be picking up Eye of a Rook? Tell us in the comments below!