James Sturz Interviewed by Shelby Van Pelt

My favorite genre is “weird realism.” Realistic stories with an odd twist. That’s not an actual genre, but it ought to be, if you ask me. 

When I heard about James Sturz’s new novel, Underjungle, and the descriptor was “the first serious novel set entirely underwater,” I was captivated. As the author of Remarkably Bright Creatures—the first novel narrated by a cranky octopus to hit the New York Times best sellers list (I assume? Is anyone tracking this?)—I felt an instant affection for what Underjungle was going for. Delightfully offbeat.

This book is bizarre in the best way. What is it? Science-fiction? Fantasy? Love story? Parable? Climate Fiction? Philosophy? Literary fiction? Satire? Does it matter? It’s all these things at once. There aren’t many books I recommend with a simple “trust me,” but I count Underjungle among them.

Read Shelby Van Pelt’s interview of me in BOMB Magazine here.