Zambian-American writer and author of The Lions’ Den, Iris Mwanza, is surprised by the rise of authoritarianism in the West: ‘The rise of authoritarianism in the West and how the institutional checks and balances designed to protect against it have failed us so quickly and easily have been very perplexing. This is particularly evident in the United States, and I am having a hard time unpacking exactly how, in a democracy, we can vote away our rights.’
First Draft is our interview column, featuring authors and other prominent figures on books, reading, and writing.
Our questions are italicized.
What books or kinds of books did you read growing up?
I loved to read while growing up and devoured anything I could get my hands on. While books were (and are) a luxury in Zambia, I was fortunate because both my parents worked for the university and books were always around us. Even so, I did not have a lot of children’s books, so I started reading adult novels and nonfiction very early because that was what was available at home and in the university library.
If your life so far was a series of texts, which text (fiction or non-fiction) represents you at this moment?
My life so far has been a library full of adventure stories, and fortunately, many more ups than downs. At this moment I am navigating grief, so I have reread my best friend Alexandra Fuller’s latest book, Fi. Fi is an honest, heartbreaking and raw account of the loss of her beloved son and is a roadmap through grief. We all know that losing loved ones is a very painful, inevitable part of life, but reading this book now has been instructive and has helped me immeasurably.
What’s the last thing you read that changed your mind about something?
I read a lot of reports and if good data supports a position, I’ll be persuaded.
Writing was a way to escape the awfulness of the pandemic. This book was my rabbit hole into another time and place.
What was your process for writing your debut novel, The Lions’ Den?
I was working full time, so it was a challenging process of snatching time in the evenings and weekends to write. I was able to finish the manuscript during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was frightening living in the New York area before vaccinations were available, so I didn’t leave the house much or travel, which finally gave me the time to write. Also, writing was a way to escape the awfulness of the pandemic. This book was my rabbit hole into another time and place.
The Lions’ Den is a ‘moving story of prejudice, corruption, injustice, courage and solidarity.’ What inspired this story?
I wanted to write a legal thriller because it is an exciting vehicle and a new way for me to address issues that I am very passionate about. I grew up in a very conservative, patriarchal and homophobic society, and I saw firsthand the negative impact of discrimination and hatred. One story that I read in the Zambian newspaper about a teenage boy beaten up by a mob for wearing a dress stayed with me and became the inspiration for the character Bessy. I’m deeply disturbed that many countries, including both my homes, Zambia and the United States, are going in the wrong direction when it comes to human rights protections. If I have done my job well, the book can both entertain and advocate.
The Lions’ Den is set in 1990s Zambia. Which book, author or cultural/historical event had the most influence on your approach to writing it?
It was a critical time in history for Zambia, with the end of the Kaunda regime (Kenneth Kaunda had been the leader of the independence struggle and the first president after independence). But it was also during that period that the Berlin Wall came down and Nelson Mandela was released from prison. It was an exciting time in history when progress seemed inevitable; now that we know better, we need more brave souls like Grace to keep fighting the good fight.
Your novel was longlisted for the Center for Fiction first novel prize in 2024. What’s one thing about readers’ reactions to The Lions’ Den that surprised you?
The diversity of readers and the positive reaction from most have been truly surprising. You never know who your audience will be! It has been very gratifying to have readers from all over the world, and of all ages. I am surprised and delighted that a book set in a small African country over 35 years ago is finding a large audience.
What is the most meaningful piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
It was a simple piece of advice from Namwali Serpell, a friend, amazing writer and literature professor. She told me to free myself from writing chapters chronologically. For whatever reason, that had not occurred to me, and her advice immediately cured me of all writer’s block. I wrote down the material as it flowed in, and at the end of the process, almost magically, the book came together.
I’m deeply disturbed that many countries, including both my homes, Zambia and the United States, are going in the wrong direction when it comes to human rights protections.
What’s the first book you read that made you think you wanted to be a writer?
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. Her writing blew my mind. Although I was very young, I understood the incredible power of writing and wanted to do it one day. That ‘one day’ took a very long time, but I could not be more delighted that I finally actually did it!
You hold a PhD in international relations from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. What aspect of the world today do you find most fascinating or most perplexing?
The rise of authoritarianism in the West and how the institutional checks and balances designed to protect against it have failed us so quickly and easily have been very perplexing. This is particularly evident in the United States, and I am having a hard time unpacking exactly how, in a democracy, we can vote away our rights.
Which three books on Zambia should everyone be reading at this moment?
The Old Drift by Namwali Serpell; Obligations of the Wounded by Mubanga Kalimamukwento; and Perfect Marriage by Mulenga Kapwepwe. And as a bonus: not a book but a powerful movie set in Zambia, On Becoming a Guineafowl.
And what’s one thing readers should be aware of when reading about Zambia?
Zambia is a place of diversity and contrasts. Its rich context gives it beautiful complexity, dimension and depth.
You can only read one book for the rest of your life. It’s:
Beloved by Toni Morrison. She’s a genius and Beloved is the most complex and powerful story I have ever read. I learn something new with every read!
I am having a hard time unpacking exactly how, in a democracy, we can vote away our rights.
What’s a book that brings you joy?
Guess How Much I love You by Sam McBratney. I enjoy reading to kids, and the message and illustrations in this book delight me perhaps even more than the child I am reading to.
What’s the best book you’ve read so far this year?
Now that I understand how hard it is to write a book, I appreciate each one in different ways and would be hard pressed to pick a best (or a worst). I am currently writing, so I’m not reading as much, but James by Percival Everett was highly entertaining. And, as I mentioned, Fi by Fuller was most essential.
What is your favourite topic to write or read about these days?
Daniel, the protagonist of my new book, is a landscape architect, so I am having fun researching and learning about this very different professional space.
Now that I understand how hard it is to write a book, I appreciate each one in different ways and would be hard pressed to pick a best (or a worst).
What are you currently working on?
Another legal thriller that is quite serious; and a funny and totally mad screenplay in collaboration with two friends.
Question from Andréa Ngombet: What story would you never write, and why?
Nothing should be out of bounds when writing. But it is important to fully inhabit a character so that they are multi-dimensional and authentic.
Bonus: Please suggest a question for a future author’s First Draft
Is Artificial Intelligence something to embrace or fear? How do you think AI will change the literary space?
Who should we interview next?
Troy Onyango⎈
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