Feathered Quill Book Reviews

 #Authorinterview with Eenam Vang

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Lily Andrews is talking with Eenam Vang, author of The Soul Up North.

FQ: The concept of the glowing "S" symbol is so powerful and unique. I can't help but wonder where the spark for that specific imagery came from.

VANG: Thank you for that question. I think the spark came from the fact that I, myself, am tatted. The glowing “S” symbol was something meaningful to me when I first drafted the book. It’s a representation of love existing in a world where soulmates are essential whether they like it or not. It shows the elements of being vulnerable and proud to share such an intimate commitment to the universe.

FQ: Do you think Jack's journey to "investigate" or collect pieces of Jade carries a subtle message that we may truly never know someone, including those that we are destined to live with?

VANG: Yes, I do think Jack’s navigation through Jade’s collected life carries a weight that devastates the reality of never truly knowing someone. Despite his journey through the lens of those Jade cherishes, often enough, memories can be told differently, depending on who he turns to. I think that's the most difficult thing he has to accept—every story he hears, it's a curated version of Jade even if it's from those in her life.

FQ: What made you give Ace the chance to justify his actions?

VANG: That’s actually a very interesting take. Now, I’m thinking, did I justify him? Personally, I felt like I didn’t justify Ace and his actions. At first, his backstory wasn’t originally in the book, but something inside of me sparked an interest to write a glimpse of his life. If anything, I wanted to give him room to show readers that he truly felt guilty for the way he handled things with Jade. We see that throughout the story despite the pressure to confront it; in truth, he was only able to take accountability with Jack who is equal parts of Jade—an extension of her.

FQ: When I look at Jack, I see someone who believes in destiny, unlike Jade and Ace, who make choices that end up messing them up. Do you think we as humans are products of fate or that we are the architects of our own chaos?

VANG: I do think we as humans lean into both worlds; it's a journey that ties us to earth. With such a universal experience, what remains is our heart and mind, initially—how we let it consume our thoughts, what we make of life, and the pursuit of grounding ourselves in the middle of fate and chaos. Although it may be out of our control at times, we get to claim what exists in our reality.

FQ: Do you think from Jade's mother's story that the soulmate curse is something that exists today, and two, something that spans generations?

VANG: Ironically, I don’t believe in soulmates. When I was younger, I believed a lot in fate, destiny, and the term “meant to be”—as I’ve gotten older, it no longer gives me the comfort it used to. We drive these terms to purpose because it's easier to believe in something than nothing at all. The soulmate curse reminds me of “right person, wrong time”, but if it was the right person, time would never be the essence to come in between that connection. Nonetheless, I can see it coexisting for generations to come, and I don’t see a world where it wouldn’t continue to live on.

FQ: This isn't a book that offers easy comfort. In fact, it sits with you and aches. What is the one feeling or question you hope lingers with the reader long after they have closed the last page?

VANG: The one feeling I want to linger with readers when they close the last page of The Soul Up North is actually hope, itself. I chose green for a reason for the cover, the color is a representation of new beginnings, desires to live ambitiously, and to embrace the mundane. Even after all the chaos, loss, betrayal, and yearning that Jack had to live with—he’s the perfect character to show that there is still so much love to give and receive even after falling apart.

FQ: What do you think the heartbroken reader captures from this book in their journey to healing and maybe mental wellness?

VANG: I didn’t realize how dark this book actually was until my very last edits; seventeen, to be exact. To anyone who is in their healing journey, and struggles with mental wellness, my heart eternally goes out to you. I had to put away the book at times and recollect myself; which is something I recommend. That said, I hope the heartbroken readers capture the good in the ache, desire to confront limitations, strength in grace, and may the hard conversations become easier. Life will live, loss will come—I hope this book shows that it's never too late to find your spark again.

FQ: Regarding characters, is there a particular one who is your favorite, or one who surprised you with the direction they demanded to go?

VANG: I am very protective of Jack Spade, and he is by far my favorite character I’ve ever written—this goes to say for my future books to come as well. The Soul Up North is so special to me and I know I made the right decision to make it my debut novel. The fact that he continued to stay true to himself despite the pain and grief, even though it should’ve been the start of his villain arc—I can’t even imagine how much desire, loyalty, and commitment he could’ve shown Jade if she were still alive. We see a glimpse of that in the seven days he had left with her, which, to be frank; was also just an idea, never a certain plot to be put into the book. It was supposed to end with Jack wanting to keep it to himself, but as I continued to edit, draft, and re-write the novel, it was the least I could do for the readers to get an insight of their love story even if it didn’t make sense. It’s a love that seems to only exist in myths, a handwritten letter never sent, and a love that should’ve been chosen from the start.