Mona Awad Discusses Her Novel ‘All’s Well,’ Shakespeare, Horror, and the Pain of Women

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In her latest book, All’s Well, author Mona Awad takes readers on an emotional journey that intertwines humor, tragedy, and the often-overlooked pain experienced by women. Awad’s personal struggles with chronic pain led her to observe the dismissive attitudes of medical professionals towards women suffering in silence. This reflection inspired her to delve deeply into the experiences of women grappling with pain through the character of Miranda.

Miranda’s life is drastically changed after a fall from a stage leads to chronic hip and back pain, disrupting her marriage and derailing her promising acting career. As a theater professor, she is determined to produce the spring Shakespeare play, but her ongoing agony threatens her remaining stability. An unexpected encounter with three magical men offers her a chance to experience life without pain.

Awad’s narrative uniquely balances comedy and tragedy, inviting readers to accompany Miranda on her journey as she confronts her desires and fears. In a recent conversation, Awad shared insights about her relationship with Shakespeare, the themes of her book, and her next project.

She recalls her first encounter with Shakespeare at age 15 while performing a monologue from Macbeth, which ignited her passion for theater. This passion resurfaced in her thirties amidst her battles with chronic pain, as she sought solace in Shakespeare’s works. Awad was particularly drawn to All’s Well That Ends Well, a play centered on a heroine who faces morally ambiguous choices, paralleling Miranda’s own struggles.

Awad’s exploration of women’s pain stems from her personal experiences. She empathizes with women who feel their pain is unseen and dismissed, reflecting on the isolation it creates. The intense depictions of pain in All’s Well resonate with readers, as they experience the weight of Miranda’s suffering only to feel the relief when it disappears. Yet, Awad reminds us that once free from pain, it is easy to forget the desperation that accompanied it.

The conclusion of the book is intentionally ambiguous, inviting readers to interpret the events in their own way, much like the mysteries within Shakespeare’s works. Awad believes that the unsettling nature of the ending mirrors the complexities of All’s Well That Ends Well.

While readers may not initially see All’s Well as a horror novel, Awad acknowledges its unsettling themes and visceral reactions, much like the genre itself. She incorporates subtle Easter eggs related to Shakespeare, ensuring that both casual and avid readers can appreciate the layers of her narrative.

Currently, Awad is working on a new novel that continues the themes of her previous works, featuring a woman entangled in a sinister beauty cult. She also recommends several recent reads, highlighting Come Closer by Sara Gran for its immersive storytelling and chilling premise.

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In summary, Mona Awad’s All’s Well is a profound exploration of women’s pain, drawing from her personal experiences and literary influences. The book skillfully navigates the complexities of desire, suffering, and the quest for healing, all while weaving in Shakespearean themes and elements of horror.