‘Perestroika: Eye for an Eye; Tooth for a Tooth’ by João Cerqueira is a compelling historical fiction novel that delves into the transformative period of the late Communist era in Eastern Europe. Set in the fictional nation of Slavia, the narrative spans from 1978 to 1989, capturing the societal upheavals and personal struggles during the decline of a totalitarian regime. Winner of the Historical Fiction Company Book of the Year in Europe Fiction and a Bronze Medalist in the 2023 Latino Book Awards, this book is is a kaleidoscope of history, politics, arts, tragedy, and humor. In a world echoing the fall of the Berlin Wall and mirroring the rise of leaders inspired by figures like Putin and Trump, the novel transcends conventional genres, offering a unique blend of entertainment and intellectual depth.
1. Can you tell us a little bit about your book? Why did you choose this genre and what’s the story behind the title?
More than a political novel, Perestroika is a story about human nature that touches on themes common to all literature: the rise and fall, the struggle for power and survival, the search for truth, love, revenge, and the possibility of redemption. There’s a woman who wants to know who her parents are; there’s another who wants to find her missing father; there are victims of child sexual abuse who want revenge; and there’s a father who wants to protect his disabled son from the political changes. Perestroika is a novel of revenge, redemption and catharsis inspired by recent European history. The second part of the book coincides with the fall of the Berlin Wall. However, oddly enough, the topic was forgotten. To my knowledge, there is no film, TV series, or novel—except mine—that addresses one of the most important changes of the 20th century.
2. What inspired you to write this story? How did you find the resources and research material for your book?
The novel Perestroika results from the profound impact of the images of the fall of the Berlin Wall and people demanding freedom in the streets of communist countries. In addition to bringing freedom to half of the Europeans, Gorbachev’s Perestroika ended the Cold War and the threat of nuclear war. Furthermore, I visited Cuba three times and saw with my own eyes how a communist country works: there is no freedom of expression, there are no free elections, there are no human rights, and anyone who protests is arrested. I consulted a wide range of books, including the works of Anne Applebaum Gulag and Iron Curtain, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s The First Circle and The Gulag Archipelago, Victor Kravchenko’s I Choose Freedom, Arthur Koestler’s Darkness at Noon, and others.
3. What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book? How did you overcome it?
I struggled with the transition from the narrator’s voice to the characters’ thoughts; I used italics to separate the two. The way Lia Kirchner, the main character, interprets her father’s paintings and associates them with political repression was the most challenging aspect of writing Perestroika.
4. Are there any particular authors or books that have influenced the book?
The novels that influenced me are George Orwell’s 1984 and Animal Farm, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s The First Circle and The Gulag Archipelago, Mikhail Bulgakov’ The Master and Margarita and Heart of a Dog, Victor Kravchenko’s I Choose Freedom, Arthur Koestler’s Darkness at Noon, and others.
5. What role did editing play in the writing process? How did you decide when the manuscript was ready for publication?
I rarely write more than two pages a day because I strive for as much perfection as possible. As such, I started editing from the very first page. At the end of the book I do several more readings to correct the text.
6. Do you have any upcoming projects or ideas for future books that you’d like to share with your readers?
I’m writing a post-apocalyptic story. This theme begins in the Old Testament with the Flood that destroys humanity and continues in the New Testament with John’s Apocalypse. In the 20th century, the main cause of the end of the world in novels was a nuclear war or an alien invasion. In this century, the end of the world is mainly the result of climate change and pandemics. I prefer not to choose a cause for the apocalypse—most survivors aren’t sure what happened—because that implies a solid scientific basis. The book could be called The End of the World Woman and perhaps end with her pregnancy as a symbol of hope for the rebirth of humanity. And if in Perestroika there is the painting by El Greco that runs through the story, in this new novel it is a painting by Caravaggio that induces this woman to revolt against a tyrant who has created a city of slaves.
7. In the age of digital publishing and social media, how do you engage with your readers and promote your work?
I am contacting newspapers, magazines, and literary blogs in English-speaking countries, I am offering giveaways, and I will participate in some literary prizes
8. How do you balance your writing career with other aspects of your life, such as work and family?
Writing is a job like any other and requires effort and discipline. As such, every day I sit down in front of the computer to try and create something new. At the end of the day, I meet with my family.
9. What’s the pen ultimate takeaway for readers reading your book?
What is life without freedom?
10. What’s the one advice you’d like to share with aspiring writers of the genre?
Read translations and never give up.
João Cerqueira was born and lives in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. He holds a PhD in Art History from the University of Porto. He is the author of nine books and is published in eight countries: Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, England, United States, Brazil, Argentina. He won the 2020 Indie Reader Awards, the 2014 Global ebook Awards and the 2013 USA Best Book Awards.
Explore the historical fiction masterpiece ‘Perestroika’
