Inside the Australian and New Zealand book industry

Image. Advertisement:

Kate Gordon on ‘Xavier in the Meantime’

Kate Gordon’s latest book is a companion novel to her CBCA award–winning Aster’s Good, Right Things. Xavier in the Meantime (Riveted Press, February) is a ‘sensitive but unflinching’ story of Xavier’s experiences with mental illness. Reviewer Kary McEwen says the book is ‘perfect for sparking wider discussions with young people, while also being a hopeful and enjoyable read’; she spoke to the author.

Congratulations on the release of Xavier in the Meantime! What made you decide to write another novel in the Aster’s Good, Right Things universe? 

I always felt like there were more stories to tell within the universe created in Aster’s Good, Right Things. Because that book is so heavily focused on Aster’s inner world, we only really catch glimpses of the lives of the people around her. Xavier is one of my favourite characters—in any of my books—and I knew I wanted to know more about him and his world. I also grew up with depression and wanted to show what it feels like to be a kid living with that particular mental illness (of course, Xavier and I have two experiences of depression and every presentation is different). I wanted to explore Xavier’s family and I also wanted to see Aster through his eyes. I definitely haven’t finished exploring this world. My next book, Indigo in the Storm, revisits this town and this community and will show more of Indigo’s complicated character.  

How do we see Aster and Xavier’s friendship develop further in Xavier in the Meantime? 

I think in this novel we get to see Aster supporting Xavier, while he was a big support and escape for her in Aster’s Good, Right Things. I wanted to very much subvert the ‘manic pixie dream’ character trope as, through Aster’s eyes, he was this sparkling, unique saviour in her story. In Xavier’s story, he is the one struggling and that needs saving. I loved watching their friendship deepen and gain nuance throughout this story. They’re saving each other at different times—holding each other up when things are good and just holding each other when things get hard. They’re learning more about each other and developing empathy as they do it.  

Xavier has depression, which he calls ‘the black dog’. Why is it important that young people with mental illness don’t feel the pressure to be ‘cured’? 

I don’t believe mental illness can ever be ‘cured’. It can be managed. There is so much damage done when there is the expectation that people with mental illness should be ‘fixed by now’. It’s a lifelong process and so many relationships are damaged or lost when loved ones don’t realise this. However, it’s not hopeless. There are amazing professionals out there who can help young people to manage their illness, and there is life and light and hope, always. It is just so important to remember—especially if you love someone with mental illness—that relapses are not failure. They are normal. They don’t mean that the person with the illness is weak. They are stronger than many people could possibly imagine, for going through it again and again and continuing on. And getting out the other side is beautiful. 

The novel also explores topics including animal rights and gender expression. What is the best way to approach these subjects with young people? 

I think the best and only way to approach any important topic in a book for young people is with sensitivity, a lot of heart, a lot of research and personal experience. As a kid, I was deeply invested in animal rights causes. I became a vegetarian at the age of 10, after watching a documentary about meat processing. My daughter has chosen the same path at the age of nine. I kept scrapbooks and refused to buy anything tested on animals and did project after project for school on humane causes. So, that side of writing the book came very naturally. I also grew up with so many unanswered questions about gender expression. Those issues just didn’t get addressed in a rural community in Tasmania in the 90s! I think things are changing. My kid has a much better understanding of their identity and place in the world and society, and I see so much more acceptance of kids with diverse expressions of gender within our school community. Everything I write comes from my own experience and my intention is always to make readers feel seen in a way I never did as a kid. 

Can you explain the significance of the title and the ‘moments in the meantime’? 

I feel like for the past year we’ve all been living in the meantime—in the space between, before things get ‘good’ or ‘normal’ again. When you live with mental illness, or any other chronic illness, we’re constantly in the meantime—waiting for the light to come, for good days to come. Xavier is looking for ways to make his pain less and his life better, to fix his family and his mental health. I wanted to show that there will be many good days and many ‘meantimes’ making up a life, and all of it is worthwhile.  

Do you plan to write any further novels with Aster and Xavier? 

Absolutely! As I mentioned above, the next book is about Indigo and her struggles with her family, with finding her place in her community and the world, and with finding her own identity. And there are more characters in the novels that I’d love to explore. If readers continue to enjoy the books, maybe I can keep going! 

Read Karys McEwen’s review of Xavier in the Meantime here.

 

Category: Features Junior