News Summary
Award-winning author Patricia Lockwood’s new novel, ‘Will There Ever Be Another You’, is set for publication and a launch event in Savannah. The book reflects on her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring themes of illness and identity. Lockwood’s innovative storytelling combines her personal health challenges and pivotal moments from her life. The launch event, featuring a conversation with writer Zach Powers, is scheduled for October 8 at the Otis S. Johnson Cultural Arts Center.
Savannah: Patricia Lockwood’s New Novel Set to Launch Amid Pandemic Reflections
Award-winning author Patricia Lockwood’s anticipated novel, Will There Ever Be Another You, is set to be published on September 23, with a launch event scheduled for October 8 at the Otis S. Johnson Cultural Arts Center in Savannah, Georgia. The book has garnered acclaim from major publications such as the New York Times, The New Yorker, and the Washington Post, highlighting its relevance and impact during challenging times.
Lockwood’s new work was crafted during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period for her marked by post-COVID neurological symptoms. While writing, she described her appearance as unconventional, wearing a Looney Tunes T-shirt, fingerless copper gloves for neuropathy, a shaved head, and a mask while managing her laptop from her lap in Madison Square.
Thematic Exploration of Illness and Identity
Will There Ever Be Another You chronicles Lockwood’s experiences with illness and her journey to reclaim her identity amidst the chaos of chronic conditions. In this novel, she addresses profound questions about what constitutes a person and how self-perception is altered in the face of illness. Through the protagonist’s small efforts to manage her symptoms, including taking a jewelry-making class, readers witness a relatable struggle for normalcy.
The narrative features a distinctive structural choice, transitioning from a third-person perspective to a first-person perspective mid-novel. This shift was inspired by a health emergency involving Lockwood’s husband during a trans-Atlantic flight, prompting an urgent medical intervention. This personal crisis alongside her own health challenges further influenced her writing process, leading to a creative amalgamation of her “insane” and “sane” selves.
Personal Context and Background
Lockwood’s writing journey has been notably shaped by her experiences during the pandemic. She contracted COVID-19 while traveling to Harvard to give a lecture about the Internet in March 2020. Her symptoms included delusions, confusion, and aphasia, which significantly impacted her ability to function and write. These experiences informed the themes and structural choices within her novel, as reflected in her essay Insane After Coronavirus? published in the London Review of Books.
In addition to her new novel, Lockwood has previously published works that have received critical acclaim. Her memoir Priestdaddy, released in 2017 and winning the Thurber Prize for American Humor, positioned her as a notable voice in literature. Following that, her 2021 debut novel, No One Is Talking About This, was nominated for the prestigious Booker Prize and won the Dylan Thomas Prize, solidifying her reputation as a talented author. The themes explored in her past works continue to resonate throughout her new novel.
Lockwood’s upcoming launch event in Savannah has personal significance as she has resided in the city since 2009, marking it as a pivotal location in her writing career. The October 8 event will feature a conversation with writer Zach Powers, engaging the audience in discussions surrounding her latest literary endeavor. Tickets for the event are priced at $10 for general admission and $39 for admission including the book.
Following her recovery, Lockwood remains committed to her craft, continuing to write poetry with plans for future publications. Will There Ever Be Another You is characterized by its unique storytelling style, diverging from traditional narratives often found within illness literature, making it an essential read for those exploring the intersection of health, identity, and creativity.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Now
- The New Yorker
- New York Times
- Wikipedia: Patricia Lockwood
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Patricia Lockwood
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
