A queer Count of Monte Cristo in space? Count us in!
We were fascinated by the premise of Countess (ECW Press) by Trinidadian-Canadian dark fiction speculative fiction author and editor Suzan Palumbo from the moment we heard of it, and our enthusiasm only compounded exponentially after reading this subversive and compelling novella. We’re delighted Suzan agreed to join us on our Power Q & A series. We had many burning questions about her thrilling adventure but wanted to ask specifically about bringing her culture into space.
Welcome Suzan!
Bring home Countess by Suzan Palumbo.
Q: Why was it important for you to specifically write a Caribbean space opera and what about Caribbean and/or Trinidadian culture did you want to see thriving in space?
A: I’ve always enjoyed speculative fiction and I wanted to see people like me, Trinidadians and people from the other Caribbean islands, in space. For most of my life, the books I read and movies I watched did not have anyone like me represented in the future. I think it’s vital for people to be able to see themselves depicted beyond the present. It is a hopeful exercise. It signals that you are worth protecting. It says your culture, art and history have value, and that the world wants to make sure it doesn’t lose them for everyone's benefit.
Also, the history of the Caribbean and its peoples provide a natural parallel to stories of space colonization and exploration. We have lived through colonial projects like many other regions throughout the world. I think our perspective on it is unique as descendants of enslaved and indentured people brought to these islands to serve extractive colonial interests. My book does contain adventure and romance but, at its heart, it is about the main character, Virika Sameroo, decolonizing her mind. This type of story and its ramifications are crucial to consider now that many have their eyes on outer space as a place to exploit and colonize.
Finally, it was just so fun to include the cultural traditions my family brought to Canada with them and situate them in space. Come on, Trinidadian food across the galaxy? Curry, roti and pepper sauce? Calypso and carnival? Friendship and community? Why not entertain the possibility of these joyous aspects of my heritage surviving into the future? Despite Countess being a dark novella, there are moments of celebration. These moments are distinctly flavoured by my culture. Who says the future has to be cold and sterile? What if it’s filled with people who love fiercely? Who are resilient and creative? And, who are hopeful against all odds?
That’s the kind of future I want. It’s a Caribbean space opera kind of future.
The resplendent Suzan Palumbo.
More about Suzan Palumbo:
Suzan Palumbo is a Trinidadian-Canadian dark speculative fiction writer and editor. Her short stories have been nominated for the Nebula, Aurora, and World Fantasy Awards. Her debut dark fantasy/horror short story collection, Skin Thief: Stories, is out now from Neon Hemlock and her debut novella is forthcoming from ECW Press.
More about Countess:
A queer, Caribbean, anti-colonial sci-fi novella in which a betrayed captain seeks revenge on the interplanetary empire that subjugated her people for generations.
Virika Sameroo lives in colonized space under the Æerbot Empire, much like her ancestors before her in the British West Indies. After years of working hard to rise through the ranks of the empire’s merchant marine, she’s finally become first lieutenant on an interstellar cargo vessel.
When her captain dies under suspicious circumstances, Virika is arrested for murder and charged with treason despite her lifelong loyalty to the empire. Her conviction and subsequent imprisonment set her on a path of revenge, determined to take down the evil empire that wronged her, all while the fate of her people hangs in the balance.