Interview with Lisa Ko on Her Latest Novel, Chronicling the Lives of Three Childhood Companions over Six Decades
In a recent conversation with Dazed, Lisa Ko delves into her latest literary creation, Memory Piece, which intricately weaves the narratives of three Asian-American women who forge a bond in the early 1980s. The trio comprises Giselle Chin, a trailblazing performance artist; Jackie Ong, a tech guru in Silicon Alley; and Ellen Ng, a forthright activist entrenched in an East Village squat.
_Ko’s Memory Piece emerges as a follow-up to her debut novel, The Leavers, which graced bookshelves in 2017. Interestingly, Ko commenced crafting Memory Piece even before the release of her inaugural work. Reflecting on this, Ko shares, “I embarked on this journey in 2016, preluding the publication of my first novel. My contemplation revolved around the realm of artistry within the confines of capitalism, reminiscing about the unrestrained creativity of childhood, devoid of societal shackles like rent concerns or career pursuits.”
The novel unfolds in three distinct segments, each narrated from the vantage point of a different protagonist. Giselle’s chapter initiates the tale, spotlighting her arduous quest to carve a niche in the art sphere through elaborate performance art endeavors. Noteworthy is her audacious year-long stint residing in a concealed chamber within a New Jersey mall, reliant on Jackie for sustenance and basic amenities. Jackie’s narrative captures the euphoria of the 1990s dot-com era and the murky underpinnings of Big Tech, as she grapples with ethical dilemmas stemming from data exploitation.
The final section, articulated from Ellen’s viewpoint, catapults the reader into the 2040s. In this dystopian projection of New York, Ellen, now in her seventies, finds herself compelled to eke out a living delivering groceries amidst pervasive surveillance, authoritarian policing, and dehumanizing work conditions. Despite residing with her housemates in a communal setting, the specter of gentrification looms ominously, threatening their sanctuary.
While the novel paints a somber picture of the future, characterized by elderly individuals toiling for survival, omnipresent surveillance, and subterranean activism, it ultimately exudes a sense of hope. Amidst its exploration of gentrification, surveillance culture, and techno-elitism, Memory Piece champions the resilience of community, camaraderie, and love.
In this enlightening dialogue, Ko sheds light on her creative process, the pursuit of a ‘meaningful’ existence, and her aspirations for the future.
On Commencing the Writing Journey: Ko elucidates, “My narrative germinated from the concept of enduring friendships that subtly mold our essence, transcending temporal and spatial divides. I endeavored to portray women consumed by their artistic pursuits, navigating the labyrinth of ambition and life’s exigencies.”
On Ellen’s Evolution as a Character: Initially conceived as a peripheral figure, Ellen’s burgeoning prominence within the storyline stemmed from Ko’s organic narrative progression. Ko muses, “Ellen’s intrusive yet insightful persona organically intertwined with Giselle and Jackie’s trajectories, serving as the linchpin uniting their divergent paths. Her advocacy against gentrification bridged the thematic chasms between tech innovation and artistic expression.”
On Unraveling the Essence of a ‘Meaningful’ Life: Ko reflects, “The quest for authenticity amidst life’s tumult was a central motif. The narrative unravels the significance of communal bonds and historical consciousness, underscoring the characters’ epiphanies on interconnectedness and legacy.”
On Probing the Future’s Enigmas: Ko’s futuristic narrative strand, set in 2041, resonates with contemporary anxieties surrounding surveillance and precarious labor conditions. Ko elucidates, “The near-future projection was a delicate balance of plausibility and intrigue, mirroring current societal trajectories. The narrative’s prescience emanates from the tech landscape depicted in earlier eras.”
On Navigating Technological Advancements: Ko’s narrative subtly critiques the evolving tech landscape, encapsulating Jackie’s disillusionment amidst Big Tech’s ascent. Ko opines, “Amidst the tech realm’s evolution, a tinge of skepticism pervades. The narrative juxtaposes the initial tech euphoria with the sobering realities of corporate hegemony.”
On Upholding Hope Amidst Adversity: Ko underscores the narrative’s underlying optimism, emphasizing the collective resilience against capitalist alienation. Ko asserts, “The narrative’s thematic undercurrents underscore the potency of solidarity amidst adversity, countering the narrative of individualistic pursuits. The characters’ journeys epitomize the enduring spirit of creation and survival.”
In Memory Piece, Lisa Ko crafts a poignant tapestry of friendship, resilience, and societal introspection, inviting readers to contemplate the essence of existence amidst a tumultuous yet hopeful landscape.