STEFAN WHILDE: "Zarathustra is about liberation, primarily at the individual level because it must start there"

It‘s a pleasure to know that at last we have the first book of Yours, Zarathustra talar till makaronerna, in Lithuanian. What do You know about Lithuania, its literature and culture?

I know some geographical and historical facts. I know that you are named after a king, but that otherwise Lithuania is a republic. I have read Ignas Scheynius "Sigfried Immerselbe", but that was long ago, in school I think. The Lithuanian culture have to assert itself against the French, American and German culture and it is not always easy in a small country like Sweden.

The book that is being published in Lithuanian is Your famous „Zarathustra talks to macaroni“ (2005). Could You please tell more about creating this book. Why did You chose Zarathustra, but not, say, Buddha, Krisha, Jesus or someone else?

There was no poetry at first. I was asked by a publisher to do a modern translation of Nietzsche. After thinking about the offer I declined. It sounded just too boring, too lifeless. Instead, the idea of a modern-day Zarathustra emerged in me and there was my poetry! I saw him in front of me. I watched as he returned to civilization after ten years on a mountain. I saw what he saw. And it did not look beautiful.

Another book of Yours is „En liten bok om frihet – från Tomelilla till Shiraz“. Shiraz is also from Persia (Iran). What does Zarathustra and Persia personally mean to You? Maybe You visited Iran someday or were interested in Avesta?

I have many Persian friends here in Malmö, but I've never been to Iran. I travel through their stories, then the stories become mine. Tomelilla is a small town located next next door to another little town called Ystad. In Ystad, I spent many of my summer holiday and many of my novels have been linked to the city. “Wetting of the blades" is set in Ystad and Zambia. "Boys God” is set in a fishing village near Ystad. I love Persian food and thrive in forests and on beaches in Ystad.

What‘s the main idea behind „Zarathustra...“? Critics say that You oppone to Nietzsche, and maybe even to everything. Is this revaluation of values of the 21st century?

I see Zarathustra as a hike novel, but also as a critique of civilization. We surround ourselves with the latest technology, but we have lost our soul. Are we happier of development at any cost? Zarathustra sees through the fragile façade and it is painful but necessary. But the novel is written with humor, I think. It is hilarious in some choice of words. Seriousness and play must prevail together. I lived in Ystad, when I wrote the novel. It wrote itself while I rode around the small paths.

How did You begin to write? You debut was „Pojkguden“ in 1999. Correct me, please, if i am not right, - since then You‘ve published 14 books – novels, plays... What are Your central themes?

The essence of my writing is to surprise myself and thus to surprise my readers. Some say that a writer must stick to one or maximum two genres, and that he should be easy to recognize. It sounds very boring. I want the literature to turn and lurch, it will dance in the salons and be wild and crazy. I write about Strindberg one day. The next day I write about nudism. It is true that I have published 15 books. The latest is called "Book of joy and suffering". It was released a month ago and is quite autobiographical. I've always written stories. For many years I lived as a musician and wrote lyrics.

The last book that is mentioned in internet is „Demonerna“ about Aleister Crowley. Are You interested in Thelema or even practice it, or You were just attracted to unordinary personality (as Zarathustra, too)?

I am fascinated by people and human destinies. Aleister Crowley is a very exciting character.

What does „makaronerna“ symbolise? Is it a symbol of facile Western civilization? What do You think about it? Is it ending or there is any chance for its Renaissance? If yes, how we could achieve it? Maybe turning ourselves to other civilizations, investigating them?

As Zarathustra is a critique of civilization it also becomes a critique against our culture. The EU is a callous empire that would give the pharmaceutical industry monopoly. And that's just one example of stupidity. We do not listen to our hearts. We let others think for us. There is wisdom, but we replace it with scientifically based knowledge. Zarathustra is about liberation, primarily at the individual level because it must start there. But it is also, paradoxically, a declaration of love for life, to possibilities.

What book do You consider the best? What are Your main influences (books, music, ...)?

It's very difficult to rank. I read a lot in my work. I have a big library, but can not pick favorites. I enjoy classical music, love The Sex Pistols, Glasvegas, Patti Smith, PJ Harvey and many others.

What are You currently writing, if it‘s not a secret?

I am currently writing a damn strong sequel to “Wetting of the blades”. I also write on a crazy and very funny book for children. Laughter is healthy and the children are our masters.

Tack så mycket.

Sincerely /Stefan W