Gwenyth Snow

Q1. What is the meaning behind the title, 'It's About Luke'?

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A.  Stories like this are more often about the parents of a child with a disability or the disabled child. I wanted to observe from a different perspective, that is, the sibling's point of view -- in this case, making it about Luke. Disability affects everyone in a family, not only the person with the disorder.

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Q2.  This story is referred to as biographical fiction, so does that mean that some of the events are true ?

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A. Most, not all, of the family's situations include elements of truth, which inspired the writing. For example, the conversation with the MLA happened, but neither in that particular building nor with the type of person described -- nor is the event concurrently taking place in the waiting room involving the crickets true. (Crickets  don't instinctively react to an escape opening. If they get out of the container, it's coincidence.) But it made for a fun, playful scene that counterbalances the emotion and shock behind the cruelly insensitive response by the MLA. Some of the events mentioned in the story, however, are historically accurate, such as the Celebration of Life, which continues to occur  every two years in Edmonton. The description of the upheaval of many hospital nursing jobs in Edmonton during the 90's is also based on factual events.

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Q3. Why do all of the chapter names contain one verb in the present tense? 

 

A.  Looking after someone  unable to do anything for themselves can be exhausting in spite of love and the unconditional desire to do everything possible for that person. Early on, Mother comments on how much physical energy it takes. The reason for the chapter headings is to emphasize the amount of 'doing' there is. Each of the fifty titles emphasizes the constant need for effort . The exception is one title that does not describe human effort but is the action that changes everything . . . and I'm not going to say which one it is!

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Q4. The doctor character appears frequently and in surprisingly convenient locations in the story. Why?

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A. Oftentimes, single mothers with disabled children are cut off from other members of their family for any number of reasons. The emphasis on the pediatrician is to show the strength of connection between the mother, her children, and the doctor when so many other sources fail them. In the story, when mother's wits are on fire, his is the voice that 'rescues' her from her emotional roller-coaster and gives her legitimate reasons to question her actions. There is an invaluable bond of trust that develops among all of them.

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Q5. Was the Mother character meant to be sympathetic?

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A. Yes and no. Women, in general, are held responsible for the  finely tuned operation of the domestic realm. Even if her circumstance affects her ability to sleep, eat and cope properly, she is still judged by her behaviour  even when her nerves are frayed . I find it interesting that most women who have read my book see her as stressed and sympathize with her, while many male readers see her as cruel and harsh towards Luke. From an author's perspective, she also needs to be the yang to Luke's yin in order to create the tension that moves the story forward.

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Q6. Why is the wheelchair-adapted van called Smog? Is there a symbolic connection between the van and David?

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A. In children's stories, the hero typically has a dragon to slay. The dragon is usually a psychological or  a maturing obstacle they have to overcome. I chose the name Smog as a salute to he dragon character (Smaug) from the novel 'The Hobbit'. In David's case, the van represents his dependency. His only way of combating this  is through patience and trust, two of the hardest characteristics for anyone to cultivate, but which are crucial for his happiness and, ultimately, his day-to-day survival.

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Q7. Why is the mother named only Mother in the story?

 

Mainly because that is her identity, most especially in a medical environment. It had been my experience that most parents who spend time with their child in the hospital are referred to as either 'Mother' or 'Dad' by the staff rather than their formal names. I don't think anyone minds -- I certainly didn't. More often than not, when 'Mother' was called in the hallway of the pediatrics floor, half a dozen women would turn their heads. 

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Q8. How does the book address some of the stereotypes often held about First Nations people?

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A. June is a composite character, and comprises characteristics of a good friend of mine, as well as a principal of Cree heritage, whom I worked with at one time. I wanted to stress the spiritual, community and humour often found in aboriginal cultures. I also tried to question if some misconceptions of aboriginal cultures are harboured more through ignorance than through fact.

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Q9. In chapter  37, titled 'Trusting', Luke experiences the equivalent of a leap of faith.  What does he discover?

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A. The scene involving the diving board is Luke's opportunity to face a long-held fear. Although he does it in an awkward way, he's still able to follow through with some support. Taking this risk is an event that makes him stretch further towards personal growth and self-confidence.

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Q10. How does the ending reflect the bond between a mother and her child?

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Not every parent of a disabled child can raise the child  in their home; there can be circumstances that prevent it. Putting your child in someone else's care is a tough thing to do. Choosing to protect that child in the best way possible wins out, no matter the personal cost.

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