Unveiling History through Fiction with Zoe Sivak

In today’s comprehensive dialogue, we shine a spotlight on Zoe Sivak, a budding literary sensation who has just released her maiden novel, “Mademoiselle Revolution.” Our conversation delves deep into the transformative power of fiction, particularly its role in reinvigorating and reconstructing forgotten or overlooked historical tales. Fiction, in its essence, is more than just entertainment; it is an influential medium for enlightenment, societal reflection, and cultural evolution. Rooted in this conviction is the perspective that literature, as a refined art, possesses the capacity to mold and redefine societal values and norms.

Zoe’s steadfast commitment to incorporating diverse perspectives into historical stories is admirable and pertinent. This strategy fits perfectly with our platform’s mission, which celebrates and advocates for varied literary expressions. The reveal of “Mademoiselle Revolution” and the exploration of Zoe’s creative journey has sparked considerable enthusiasm and expectation.

Interview with Zoe Sivak

• Welcome, Zoe! We’re thrilled to have you join our conversation today. Before we dive in, would you mind sharing a bit about yourself, your recent work, and something you’re enthusiastic about?

Thank you for the warm welcome! I’m Zoe Sivak. I’ve often joked that I’m closer to the shorter side of being tall and sport quite large feet – but that just gives me more reason to indulge in my love for shoes!

I hail from Virginia Beach, Virginia and grew up with my blonde, petite Jewish mother who originally came from Pittsburgh. After finishing my undergraduate studies, I found myself relocating to Philadelphia to pursue my JD and MPH degrees, which I’m looking forward to completing this summer. Professionally, I’m deeply passionate about maternal and child health. However, as a writer, I’m fervently committed to amplifying diverse, predominantly feminine, narratives in history. You’d be amazed by the intersections between these two passions!

Currently, what excites me the most is seeing my work come to light – witnessing new readers embracing Sylvie’s story daily and exploring the various facets of being an author.

• Thank you for sharing that, Zoe. Your commitment to reviving forgotten voices in our historical narrative is genuinely inspiring. Can you share the spark that drove you to weave these diverse tales back into the fabric of history?

Certainly! My college years, especially some particular courses, reshaped my understanding of history. Even though I was on a pre-med track, I had an insatiable appetite for history and enrolled in various courses spanning East Asia, Medieval Europe, the Antebellum United States, and more. One class, led by a professor specializing in Caribbean history, was pivotal. She not only imparted knowledge about the Haitian Revolution’s impact on the United States but delivered history with an intensity and emotion that suggested the past wasn’t just an abstract, bygone era. She introduced us to firsthand, emotive sources that resonated deeply, echoing the sentiments and pain of modern instances.

As I matured and embraced my identity – my womanhood, queerness, Blackness, and broader understanding of the world – I felt a profound need to offer this perspective to others. I see history as a cyclical journey, where we continually revisit the emotions and experiences of those before us. My goal is to narrate these recurring tales with both authenticity and deep personal connection.

• Your drive to convey history in such a genuine and intimate manner is truly commendable. What made you choose the realm of fiction to bring forth these narratives, rather than diving into professions like history, sociology, and the like?

Your question strikes deep, and it’s one that I’ve pondered over many introspective moments. At my core, I’ve always embraced multiple facets: I was deeply invested in theater, fascinated by languages (how about some français?), had a keen interest in dinosaurs, dabbled in early modern history, and the list goes on. Despite these varied passions, my inclination towards healthcare and science triumphed, predominantly because of my love for medicine and recognizing the dire need for more advocates, especially for Black women, in the existing fractured system.

However, reflecting on my diverse interests, I discerned a common thread: my voice. My intense attraction to theater, research, and health advocacy was rooted in the belief that when I spoke, I could command attention. While being a historian undeniably adds value to the broader narrative, the world of academia can be inherently restrictive and inward-looking. This would limit my primary goal of disseminating profound truths to a vast audience. Serendipitously, my foray into writing, which began after crossing paths with a fellow author during my college days, seamlessly merged my artistic, scholarly, and core desires of commanding a platform.

To encapsulate, books became the perfect conduit for me to weave together history, drama, and voice!

• That’s truly impressive. Many firmly believe that her writing possesses such power. What is one (or more!) core belief that she hopes to convey to the broader audience through “Mademoiselle Revolution”?

There are likely two primary insights: First, individuals can occupy positions of privilege yet still confront injustice or discrimination. Humans are intricate and multifaceted; it’s not accurate or fair to label anyone or any event simplistically. If one can distill historical events into a succinct statement, they’re probably accessing a diluted understanding of reality.

Secondly, she believes that as the resonance of the past grows stronger, it’s crucial to render history as relatable as possible. Historical understanding shouldn’t be like a static display in a museum – confined, summarized, and remote. Those who existed centuries or millennia ago didn’t possess the clarity or cultural context we have today; their present was what we now term as history. It might be challenging to grasp, but humans have been fundamentally consistent for approximately 300,000 years: sharing laughter, pain, tears, and love alike. Therefore, it’s essential to engage with history and our predecessors on equal footing; they both merit that respect.

• Those points are indeed vital. When one writes historical fiction, particularly with the aim to reinvigorate history through a fictional lens, how do they ensure a harmonious interplay between historical facts, fiction, and conveying these truths?

She often grapples with the challenge of accommodating creative liberty, especially concerning timelines. She endeavors to integrate “fiction” only where it might plausibly have a place. She is rigorous about her research and commitment to precision, but this diligence translates into genuine authenticity. Even if some characters spring from imagination, having a robust foundation of research allows these characters to engage believably with the annals of history.

She acknowledges that every book and era possesses its distinct equilibrium between the factual and the fictional. Therefore, one must continually reassess their preconceptions and goals until they discern the optimal blend.

• She’s touched upon the notion that history shapes fiction, so it raises the question: in what ways does fiction influence our understanding of history?

In numerous ways, fiction has not only influenced but has effectively become a part of history. While the past may merely be a chronological sequence of events, history evolves as a narrative, molded across generations through family discussions, educational sessions, films, and various media. These narratives provide a context, bridging gaps between isolated moments in time. Thus, when falsehoods or half-truths are perpetuated, especially by influential figures—or even more concerning, by those indifferent to the potency of truth—our historical narrative can be manipulated or misused.

Fiction lends a voice to untold stories and commemorates lives that might not have been documented, rendering history more relatable and poignant. Responsible fiction aims to unveil truths rather than cloak them.

• It’s truly insightful, and the sentiment resonates deeply. In what ways can uncovering truths through responsible storytelling influence our contemporary society and shape our tomorrow? Additionally, what advice or insight would you offer to aspiring writers moved by this vision?

Many of us can recall messages from our early years emphasizing the importance of knowledge. One timeless adage stands out: “Knowledge is power.” During our formative years, this might have referred to basic subjects like math or science. Yet, as one matures, it’s evident that this phrase encapsulates the very essence of informed citizenship and democracy. Within the vast tapestry of history, knowledge encompasses various disciplines – from anthropology and psychology to politics and justice. Unfortunately, powerful entities sometimes obscure or distort truths, but often, sheer neglect serves as the most effective eraser of historical narratives.

When a society genuinely values and learns from its past, accountability emerges as a potent force. Possessing an accurate understanding of history ensures that past errors are not forgotten and commitments are honored. This awareness bestows individuals with the ability to shape their destiny, making informed decisions for a future enlightened by past lessons.

Historical fiction is a critical conduit in this endeavor. Hence, the advice is to read diversely and write with integrity. While not every narrative needs to champion global causes, each should accurately represent its setting’s zeitgeist. Allow thorough research, not mere assumptions, to be the foundation of your storytelling. In doing so, you’ll uncover the vast richness and complexity of the human experience across time.

Conclusion

The conversation with new writer Zoe Sivak illuminates how fiction can reconstruct and redefine history. Zoe’s novel, “Mademoiselle Revolution,” echoes our commitment to diversity in historical tales, intertwining neglected historical narratives with rich, diverse perspectives. Her skillful blending of fact with fiction brings an authentic edge to her work, emphasizing the need for truthful portrayals in historical literature. Zoe’s dedication to uncovering real stories through conscientious writing can inform societal choices, respecting historical teachings to craft a better future. She encourages emerging authors to embrace thorough research and diverse reading to create stories with depth and honesty, showing that history’s lessons hold the key to shaping our future. You might be interested in:  Review: ‘Things We Lost to the Water’ by Eric Nguyen.