Claire interviews Dee White, author of Letters to Leonardo
Dee White is celebrating the release of her first novel for young adult readers, ‘Letters to Leonardo’.
‘Letters to Leonardo’ is the story of Matt, who on his fifteenth birthday, receives a birthday card from the mother he thought died ten years earlier.
As if being fifteen doesn’t have enough challenges, Matt’s world is unravelled by a single birthday card. His father has lied to him, his mother is alive. What else in his life can he believe in? He turns to a long dead artist, searching for truth.
‘Letters to Leonardo’ is a very powerful story. It takes the reader on a wild ride through Matt’s world as he struggles to make sense of that which can make no sense. Life is not neat and tidy, or constructed according to rules like paintings are meant to be. Life is messy. Life breaks as many rules as it follows. All we can do is make our way through as best we can with the tools we are given.
Dee visits today to talk about why she chose Leonardo Da Vinci as a mentor for her main character, Matt.
Why do young adults need mentors?
Young adult novels are read by people making the transition from childhood to adulthood.
It is a time when in real life parents can drive their kids crazy because the kids are trying to assert themselves and their independence. In ancient civilisations, the entire community used to support and guide the person undergoing the transition to adulthood.
Do young adults need mentors more now than in times past?
Today, kids have so many dilemmas and decisions. Often, they don’t have a community behind them, but they do need an adult who is not a parent to help guide them as they assert themselves and make their way into the wider world. They need someone who can help them understand the changes that are going on inside them, and in their broader environment.
So, why Leo?
Leonardo da Vinci seemed like the ideal choice for Matt because there were many similarities between them:
1. both were taken away from their mothers when young and essentially, grew up without them;
2. both were seekers of truth;
3. both were artistic and sensitive;
4. both were controlled when young by their fathers;
5. both were perfectionists;
6. both had to deal with becoming reacquainted with their mother after some years of separation.
I also wanted a mentor who was dead so he couldn’t write back, as this would have taken the story in a whole new direction. It also allowed Matt to mature in a more reflective way.
By choosing Leonardo as Matt’s mentor, I was able to incorporate some of his artworks into the story to represent things that were going on in Matt’s life at the time – and to reflect his emotions. This allowed me to show the depth of Matt’s anguish in a symbolic way.
Thanks Dee.
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Lovely to be here Claire.
As you know, we like nothing better than to talk about Leonardo da Vinci. Thanks for the opportunity.
Dee and Matt:-)
Great stuff Claire and Dee. One more sleep till release day, Dee 🙂
Can't wait for my copy, Dee.
Great blog, Claire.
Trish.
It's a great book Dee. Here's to its lift off on Sat!
I remember studying Leo during my art subject in Yr 10, but think it could be time to learn some more…
Claire
Thanks Sally. Thanks Trish
Claire
I really enjoyed reading your introduction Claire, and its focus on what makes Letters to Leonardo so powerful. Each stop on this tour, I've learnt something more about Dee's book, and all before I've had a chance to read it. I think those things will really enhance my reading experience, provide more layers for me.
Great to be here Claire and Dee. Another stopover offering something new to reflect upon.
Mabel :>)
Thanks Susan,
It is interesting isn't it that different bloggers bring other aspects of Dee's novel alive. It's almost like a virtual book group!
Claire
Thanks for stopping by, Mabel
Claire
great topic Dee and Claire! And cheers to tomorrow's launch.
Thanks Claire, Sally, Trish, The Book Chook, Mabel and Trudie or all your lovely comments. Sorry I've been a bit tardy in responding – have been making my launch cake for Saturday – and just in case you're wondering, I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT TOMORROW:-)
I also wanted to say thanks for having us at your place, Claire. It has been lovely to catch up. Look forward to a visit from you when your new picture book, Sheep, Goat and the Creaking Gate comes out in August.
Dee:-)