Mona Awad on Her Novel “All’s Well”: A Deep Dive into Shakespeare, Horror, and the Experience of Women’s Pain

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In her latest novel, All’s Well, author Mona Awad invites readers to explore the complex landscape of women’s pain, interwoven with elements of humor and tragedy. Awad’s own struggles with chronic pain shed light on the often invisible suffering of women, particularly in medical settings where their experiences are frequently overlooked.

The protagonist, Miranda, faces her own tumultuous journey after a fall from a stage leads to debilitating hip and back pain. This injury disrupts her marriage, derails her acting career, and jeopardizes her position as a theater professor, where she is responsible for directing the annual Shakespeare play. A mystical encounter with three enigmatic men offers her a glimpse into a life free from pain, but it also sets her on a dark path of consequences.

Awad’s narrative masterfully balances the tones of comedy and tragedy, creating a compelling exploration of desire and desperation. In a recent conversation, she shared insights on her relationship with Shakespeare, her creative process, and the unique challenges of writing about women’s pain.

Awad’s early interactions with Shakespeare began at 15, performing Lady Macbeth’s famous soliloquy. This fascination evolved during her thirties as she studied Shakespeare while grappling with her own pain. She found solace in the narratives of Shakespeare’s plays, particularly in All’s Well That Ends Well, which features a heroine who starts powerless but ultimately gains agency.

Miranda’s story reflects the often-overlooked experiences of women in pain. Awad recounts her own struggles with medical professionals who dismissed her suffering, echoing the experiences of many women who feel isolated by their pain. The narrative takes a provocative turn when Miranda transfers her pain to others, leading to a deeper commentary on empathy and the complexities of sharing suffering.

The ending of All’s Well is intentionally ambiguous, allowing readers to interpret the resolution in ways that resonate with their own experiences. Awad draws parallels between All’s Well That Ends Well and tragedy, exploring hidden desires and the moral complexities of the characters.

While All’s Well may not be marketed explicitly as horror, Awad acknowledges its unsettling elements, which provoke a visceral reaction in readers. She cleverly weaves Easter eggs throughout the text, making references to Shakespeare that can be appreciated by both casual readers and Shakespeare enthusiasts alike.

Awad is currently working on her next project, a novel about a woman drawn into a sinister beauty cult, continuing her exploration of themes that resonate with her audience. She also recommends several recent reads that exemplify the intersection of horror and deep emotional engagement.

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Summary

Mona Awad’s All’s Well intricately explores women’s pain through the lens of Shakespearean themes, balancing humor with tragedy. The novel’s protagonist, Miranda, navigates her chronic pain while encountering an ambiguous healing journey. Awad’s reflections on her own struggles with pain inform the narrative, which offers a fresh perspective on empathy and the isolation often faced by women. As Awad continues her literary journey, her work remains a poignant commentary on the complexities of desire and suffering.

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