Book Interview: The Maiden in the Tower by Kate Gough
Kate Gough is a Canadian-based poet and a member of the online poetry community. Her work modernizes romantic literary sensibilities and explores recovery from trauma and living with chronic illness. Her second poetry book, The Maiden in the Tower, is a collection of poems about surviving the worldwide pandemic whilst living with chronic illness. It describes the fear of getting worse, the grief of one’s health, and coping with the isolation, written like a folktale of a maiden living as a beacon to those who come to see her. ER visits are her dungeon, chronic pain is her dragon, and she is the knight in shining armour. From the belly of the beast, she emerges miraculously.
Kate Gough lives a cozy life, usually seen drinking a cup of chamomile tea.
Kate Gough, author of The Maiden in the Tower, recently sat down with us to discuss her latest book of poetry. The collection explores surviving the pandemic while living with chronic illness, and aims to shed light on the realities of being ill and the need for chronic illness and disability to have a place in literature.
When asked about what inspired her to write this book, Kate said, "I figured, of all the volumes of literature dedicated to war (which has killed many people), why is there no genre describing illness (which has killed many more people). The most human of experiences, to grow weaker, to age, to be ill, to be born ill… why are these stories not cherished, romanticized, mourned? Like war is?"
The book opens with an intimate letter from the author to all those living with chronic illness, warning of the gothic horrors of being ill, and celebrating the glimpses of hope. Kate hopes to start a new genre with this collection, destigmatizing the experience of feeling your worst and helping those who may feel isolated.
Kate chose the title The Maiden in the Tower after being inspired by a Tumblr post by user Star-Anise. The post describes how, as they became more disabled, subverting femininity was not as empowering as it used to be. For Kate, the idea of being a beacon of light was more empowering than subverting femininity, and she wants all chronically ill people to internalize this idea.
When it comes to literary inspiration, Kate cites folklore, fairy tales, and biblical references. She drew inspiration from Hans Christian Anderson, William Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience, and Lot's tale from the Bible. Additionally, visceral and bodily themes, like bones, blood, and carnage, inspired Kate, and she cites Mary Shelley's Frankenstein as a significant influence.
The key theme of The Maiden in the Tower is that despite the world being built without the chronically ill and disabled in mind, they deserve to take up space and be heard. Kate wants to be a beacon to those who are afraid to shine themselves and to remind them that they are not alone.
When asked about her writing process, Kate mentioned that she often writes poems for those close to her as gifts and gets her best friend to proofread a lot of her work. She also writes poetry about everyday things, like pasta and cats falling off counters.
Kate even shared with us an author that she grew into: Jane Austen. She initially found Austen's writing too restrained and preferred the wild emotional writing of the Bronte sisters. However, after reading Sense and Sensibility and Emma, she found them charming, sweet, and romantic. Kate now appreciates Austen's witty style and social commentary, finding it similar to her favorite modern screenwriter, Greta Gerwig.
The Maiden in the Tower is a powerful collection of poetry that sheds light on the often-overlooked experience of living with chronic illness. Kate Gough's writing is poignant, visceral, and inspiring, and her hope is that it will help destigmatize chronic illness and inspire others to speak up and take up space.
Kate Gough's latest book is now available on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback formats. This book is an exciting addition to her collection of poetry, filled with powerful imagery and thought-provoking themes. Whether you prefer the convenience of an e-book or the feel of a physical book in your hands, you can now get your copy of Kate Gough's latest work in your preferred format. Don't miss your chance to experience the beauty of her words and the depth of her insights. Order your copy today!