Author: Jeff Gardiner
Publication: december 5, 2012
Amazon|Crookedcatbooks|Goodreads
Synopsis:
“Oi! You four-eyed freak!”
Jerry is bullied for wearing glasses. When he realises his short-sightedness is not a disability, but a different way of perceiving and understanding the world around him, he begins to see things from a new, unique perspective.
He even starts to believe he might have super-powers, but soon learns a great deal about himself and about the boy who is making his life such a misery.
As he becomes alienated from his girlfriend and best mate, both victims of racism, Jerry realises he needs to think hard and put his plan into action.
Has Jerry discovered a new way of dealing with prejudice?
Myopia is a novel about bullying, friendship and learning the hard way.
Author Bio:
Jeff Gardiner is a UK writer whose collection of
short stories, A Glimpse of the Numinous,
was published last year by Eibonvale Press.
His contemporary novel, Myopia,
explores bullying and prejudice –published by Crooked Cat Books. Both are
available as paperbacks and e-books. His second novel Igboland will be published in early 2014. Many of his short stories
have appeared in anthologies, journals and webzines. He also has a work of
non-fiction to his name.
For more information please see his website at www.jeffgardiner.com and his blog: http://jeffgardiner.wordpress.com/
Interview:
Tell us something fun about you?
As a student I used to work as a hospital
porter. My interview involved being shown a cadaver in the mortuary. The Head
Porter summoned me in, pulled out the drawer and said, ‘So what do you think of
that?’ A little stunned, I nodded and replied, ‘Um ... yes ... very
interesting.’ I think it was the fact that I didn’t faint that got me the job.
What about "Myopia" makes it stand out?
‘Myopia’ explores the
effects of bullying, which crushes the self-esteem of so many people. Jerry,
the victim and protagonist, devises some creative, ingenious and non-violent
ways to confront his aggressors. Meanwhile Jerry is convincing himself that he
might have super-powers – a belief that really could backfire. He learns a
great deal about himself.
Are there any similarities between you and your
characters?
I was born with a squint and I was that kid
in your class with a patch over one eye. Whilst I wasn’t really bullied at
school, as a teacher I have dealt with bullies and victims, seeing close-up the
tragic consequences of this hateful and selfish behaviour.
Are there any new projects in the works?
Yes, I’ve just completed another YA novel
with more explicitly fantasy elements. I’m hoping that will be the beginning of
a longer series of books. I also feel that Jerry from ‘Myopia’ could have one
or two more adventures as he gets older. I will continue writing short stories
and have a few about to be released in various anthologies.
What is the question that you wish interviewers
would ask, and the answer to that question?
What other books do you
have out or coming out soon?
I also have a book of adult short stories
called ‘A Glimpse of the Numinous’. It includes horror, slipstream, humour and
romance. Next year is set to be a good year for me as I have three more books
coming out. ‘Igboland’ is a novel set in Nigeria during the Biafran War in the
1960s. ‘Treading On Dreams’ is a coming-of-age tale about a student with an
obsession for a girl he shares a house with, whilst also being lured into a
life of sex, drugs and rock’n’roll against his will. Then I have a non-fiction
book coming out which discusses the works of writer Michael Moorcock, best
known for his Elric and Jerry Cornelius books from the 60s and 70s, but also
for his more mainstream later novels such as ‘Gloriana’ and ‘Mother London’. He
is a voracious social commentator and even a rock star in his own right,
including writing for and performing with space rock champions, Hawkwind.
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