Polari Prize-winning author Julia Armfield ‘resents’ pressure to write queer happy endings
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Acclaimed author and Polari Prize winner Julia Armfield has opened up about LGBTQ+ censorship, sapphic yearning, and her award-winning novel, “Our Wives Under the Sea.” Armfield, who was named joint winner of the LGBTQ+ literary Polari Prize alongside Jon Ransom, spoke to PinkNews about the importance of championing queer literature and her inspiration behind her debut novel.
“Our Wives Under the Sea” follows Leah, a deep-sea diver who survives a submarine disaster but returns home to find herself inexplicably changed. The novel has been praised for its unique blend of horror and romance, exploring themes of fear, loss, and the complexities of being in a lesbian relationship.
Armfield explained that her inspiration for the novel came from her fascination with the sea and its connection to queer experiences. Many influential works about lesbians and queer women involve the sea in some way, which spoke to Armfield about the inherent queerness of being different things to different people. The sea became a useful medium for her to explore the changeability of being a queer woman and the transitional space it represents.
When asked about the impact of focusing on a lesbian couple in her romance, Armfield emphasized the universality of their story. While the novel is a cosmic horror novel, it also delves into the bureaucracy of dealing with an ill partner, grief, and the challenges faced by queer individuals in society. Armfield wanted to show that queer joy can exist within sadness and rejected the notion that queer literature must have a happy ending. She believes it’s essential to portray authentic experiences rather than succumbing to pressure to conform to certain expectations.
Armfield expressed her gratitude for the success of her book and the positive impact it has had on readers, particularly young queer individuals who have found solace in her work. She acknowledged that while this has been a standout year for sapphic literature, there has always been a significant amount of lesbian fiction available. The industry is evolving, and more representation is becoming visible, but the stories have always existed.
Looking ahead, Armfield shared details about her next book, “Private Rites.” The novel centers around three queer sisters at the end of the world, exploring themes of love, grief, and humanity in the face of impending doom. Armfield wanted to capture the mundanity of the apocalypse, where everyday life continues to exist alongside the crumbling of systems and society.
Armfield’s success and recognition as a queer author highlight the importance of championing LGBTQ+ literature. In a year marked by LGBTQ+ book censorship, it is crucial to create spaces for queer voices to thrive and support one another. The Polari Prize celebrates the best queer literature in the UK and brings together talented LGBTQ+ authors who continue to push boundaries and share their unique stories.
“Our Wives Under the Sea” is now available for readers to dive into, offering a thought-provoking and immersive exploration of queer experiences and the complexities of love and loss. As Armfield continues to make her mark in the literary world, readers can eagerly anticipate her next novel, “Private Rites,” which promises to delve further into themes of queer identity and resilience in the face of adversity.
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