Daniel Mason, an acclaimed novelist and psychiatrist, never envisioned writing a comedy until he created the character Miles. His fifth novel, “Country People,” begins with an academic and her family leaving California for her professorship in rural Vermont. The narrative focuses on her husband, Miles, who struggles to adapt to small-town life while working on a long-delayed dissertation and grappling with his identity.
In a conversation with the Gazette, Mason described how his previous research in Western Massachusetts, Southern Vermont, and upstate New York inspired his new book. He initially wrote small scenes about a city family adjusting to rural life, which eventually led to the development of Miles’ character. Mason admitted he was initially hesitant about writing a comedy, fearing jokes might fall flat, but found enjoyment in the process.
The novel explores the theme of connection, with Miles experiencing loneliness despite being open to relationships. Mason noted this pattern in his own life and commented on male loneliness and the difficulty men face in forming meaningful bonds. Miles connects with others over shared interests, but feelings of isolation persist.
Miles’ ongoing struggle to complete his dissertation reflects a common academic experience of passion without execution. Mason related to this through his own life, highlighting Miles’ interest in various subjects yet uncertainty about his place. The novel’s voice evolved over time, using free indirect discourse to access characters’ thoughts, a technique Mason enjoyed employing.
This narrative style allows readers to gain insights into characters’ personalities through seemingly trivial moments, offering a fresh perspective. Mason found that focusing on everyday life provided unexpected insights, enriching the storytelling. A subplot involves a community interested in a legend about the Hollow Earth, which adds depth to Miles’ journey.
Writing a comedy allowed Mason to view the world differently, using humor as a lens to explore complexity in seemingly simple elements. He expressed concern about the state of the world but found humor offered a new way to examine it. Mason’s exploration of imagination and belief through the novel’s characters continues to intrigue him.
Original Source: news.harvard.edu
