A Conversation with Silvia Park, Author of Luminous

The Genesis of a Robot Story

Kelly Link, acclaimed author of The Book of Love, recently sat down with Silvia Park, author of the captivating novel Luminous, for a fascinating discussion about their creative processes, speculative craft, and the enduring allure of robots.

Their conversation began with a question Link often poses: "What did your grandparents do?" Park's response revealed a family history touched by law, business, and a controversial murder trial that instilled in her a keen awareness of memory's malleability.

From Children's Tale to Multifaceted Narrative

Park, recalling advice Link once gave her, inquired about the art of balancing multiple perspectives in a novel. Link reflected on her own experience with The Book of Love, initially conceived as a sprawling, symphonic narrative, but ultimately resembling the interconnectedness of short stories within a collection.

Park's Luminous also employs shifting viewpoints. Beginning as a children's story about a superhero-like robot named Yoyo, the narrative evolved to explore the poignant implications of Yoyo’s unchanging nature juxtaposed with the growth and grief of his human siblings.

"In my mind, a robot became the perfect vessel for this grief," Park explains, highlighting the profound impact of Yoyo's absence on his siblings. This realization transformed the story, necessitating the inclusion of adult perspectives to fully capture the enduring power of loss.

Hope in a Dystopian Future

Link praised Luminous for its inherent hopefulness, despite exploring themes of catastrophic loss. Park agreed, describing the novel's optimistic vision of a reunited Korea and a future where robots are integrated into society. She acknowledged the dystopian elements but pointed out, with a touch of wry humor, "Are we not already living in a dystopia?"

Park's strategic use of narrative perspective further enhances the book's hopefulness. The children's sections, written in a more omniscient third-person, offer an "illusion of safety," while the close third-person perspective of the adult siblings reveals their internal struggles and the potential for growth.

Literary Influences and the Allure of Speculative Fiction

Park cited Link's work as a major influence, particularly her ability to blend speculative elements with profound grief and a captivating portrayal of childhood. She also drew inspiration from classic robot stories like Asimov's "Robbie" and Ishiguro's Klara and the Sun, while acknowledging thematic debts to Never Let Me Go and We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves.

Discussing her research process, Park delved into the world of artificial intelligence, focusing on humanity's enduring fascination with humanoid robots and the potential dangers of unchecked technological advancement, particularly in the context of warfare.

Writing Across Continents and the Power of Liminal Spaces

Park's experience of writing Luminous while moving between Seoul and Lawrence, Kansas, added layers of complexity to her creative process. The pandemic, with its technological response and heightened anxieties, further influenced the novel's dystopian undertones.

Link highlighted the liminal spaces within Luminous, particularly the exploration of what it means to be human in a world increasingly populated by robots. Park embraced the term "speculative fiction," emphasizing its power to "shake us awake" and challenge our assumptions about the world.

She critiqued the "masculine seriousness" often associated with science fiction, advocating for the inclusion of fantasy and its potential for social commentary.

A Look Ahead: Mermaids and Matriarchies

When asked about her current project, Park revealed she is working on a new novel centered around "bloodthirsty, matriarchal, hermaphroditic mermaids, and the marine biologist who goes a little mad trying to save them." A tantalizing glimpse into a world yet to be explored.

Park offered a final piece of advice for aspiring writers: "Take your time." A reminder that creativity flourishes with patience and self-compassion, allowing for the ebb and flow of inspiration and the eventual arrival of one's own creative "rainy period."