Former University of Ottawa English literature professor Gerald Lynch released an academic satire and mystery novel titled Plaguing Jake on June 12.
Combining elements of satire and intrigue, Plaguing Jake is based at a fictional university called uBytown and is inspired by Lynch’s experiences teaching at uOttawa.
The retired professor is the author of eight novels and has won awards such as Canada’s National Magazine Award for short fiction.
The Charlatan sat down with Lynch to discuss the inspiration behind his latest novel.
The Charlatan (TC): What is the premise of Plaguing Jake?
Gerald Lynch (GL): Plaguing Jake is about a girl named Mary McGahern who lives just outside of Ottawa in a fictional town called Leitrim Falls and comes to the university uBytown for her first year. During her time at the university, an important rare book is stolen from the English department and the mystery is figuring out who stole it. She meets many people along the way, such as Professor Jake Flynn who helps her on her journey to find the missing book.
TC: What do the characters of Mary McGahern and Professor Jake Flynn represent?
GL: Mary McGahern and Professor Jake Flynn are meant to be composites of each other. Professor Jake Flynn represents a more old-fashioned teacher in a world that has passed him by. Mary represents the idea of an inexperienced young woman from a small town coming to a bigger city. I relate a lot to the character of Jake since we are both retiring professors who are critical of the teaching profession.
TC: Can you tell us more about the supporting characters and their roles in Mary’s journey?
GL: Mary has a boyfriend from her hometown who goes to a different school. The story primarily focuses on their romance, the struggles they face and how they overcome them. Two other main characters are Mary’s father, a well-read farmer who homeschooled Mary, and Detective Gurmeet from Ottawa, who later becomes a significant character in the story.
TC: Are there any scenes in the book that you found especially difficult or enjoyable to write?
GL: As a writer, I enjoy writing satire and I enjoy criticizing comically. The challenge for me was writing from the perspective of an 18-year-old young woman as an old guy like me. I was very careful to try and get her voice right, making sure she was not more of my generation than hers. I like the perspective of someone who is more inexperienced in life because it helps you to see things freshly.
TC: Are there any quotes from the book that sum up one of the characters pretty well?
GL: There is a scene where the investigating detective says to Jake, “You’re very modest. I can’t believe how modest you are. You don’t brag about your teaching or anything.” Jake replies, “I know I seem that way, but I’m actually so vain that I crave a reputation for modesty.”
TC: Do you have any plans for a sequel or related works to Plaguing Jake?
GL: This book is a one-off. Before this novel, I finished a sequence of almost three novels in a trilogy and that is the last time I plan to write a book series.
TC: What can readers expect from you next?
GL: I’ve been publishing stories and my idea is to have a collection of short stories that are unified by being all set in the same location.
TC: If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring writers, what would it be?
GL: My advice to all young writers is to only write what you care about. It will keep you going.
This Interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Featured image by Maura Lynch.
