The Canticle of Ibiza by Justin Kurian
At one time or another in most people’s lives, they all wish they could go back and change some key decision from their past. Yet given that opportunity, would they even take it?
Justin Kurian explores that concept in his colorful and ambitious new novel, The Canticle of Ibiza. He paints a compelling picture of a man whose life from the outside might indicate happiness and success. Yet on the inside, he is tormented by something he did to an old college friend and sets out 15 years later to rectify it.
The author recently discussed the essence and origins of this insightful and innovative story.
Q: Where did you get the idea for this book?
A: I got the idea for this book while traveling in the 1990s. While in Europe, I visited Ibiza, and I was impressed with what I found there. I traveled off the usual tourist path, which is mostly clubs and hotels, and was astounded at what I found. There were many expatriates living on the island, and a hippie culture pervaded in the rural areas. Ibiza was one of the key places that hippies and draft dodgers went to when they left the United States in the 1960s. Many are still living there, and it is a hub of countercultural activities. I returned to and stayed on Ibiza for a while in the mid-2000s, and got the novel ready.
Q: The book has been described as “one man’s journey into both light and darkness.” That one man would be your protagonist, John Balkus. Tell us about John. What defines him and what drives him? And was his character inspired by any one person in particular?
A: Much of what drives John is regret. He made some bad choices in life. Although he is very bright and fiscally successful, he is miserable. He had altruistic plans with his best friend in college, and then, on the brink of launching them, he abandoned the plans for a lucrative job at a hedge fund. And ever since, his life has been bleak. The novel starts with John’s journey 15 years after this awful decision, as he wants to find his old friend and make amends for his past. But finding him on the secret island of Ibiza proves to be a major challenge. I think John is someone we can all identify with, as we all wish we can go back and change some key decisions from our past.
Q: What are some of the key themes you explore in the book?
A: Some key themes of the novel are regret, redemption and faith.
Q: The venue, Ibiza Island, serves as a character unto itself. Explain how the setting, its characters, and what it represents are critical to the story.
A: The setting, the island of Ibiza, is essential for the novel. Ibiza is almost a character itself. The island is truly a unique place, where the hippies and artists and alternate thinkers escape for a new life. The island itself has a long history of being known as a magical place, and many strongly believe this. An island like Ibiza is populated by many strange and interesting people, and John encounters them on his search for his old friend Gunther.
Q: What part of the book did you find the most fun to write?
A: For me, I found the entire book fun to write. I tend to immerse myself in a story while writing, so I was happy to be living in the world of hidden Ibiza. It’s a fascinating place to be. I particularly enjoy the character interactions, as John meets some quite humorous and interesting sorts while on his journey.
Q: What do you hope readers will take away from this tale?
A: I would like readers to take away the idea that there is always a chance at redemption — even if you think it is too late. John was depressed and was readying himself to just grind his life through to the bitter end. But then he takes a bold chance at a new life. The book is about second chances and what can happen. This is for all of us.
Read the review of The Canticle of Ibiza on BookTrib.
About Justin Kurian:
Justin Kurian has a B.A. in American Literature and Studies from Wesleyan University in Connecticut. He worked as a lawyer for the Legal Aid Society in Manhattan. Justin has also lived and worked in numerous countries in Europe for over a decade, including England and Romania and Spain, and currently resides in New York.
The Sunlight Lies Beyond, his debut novel, is a dramatic tale set in Eastern Europe in Romania after the fall of Communism and received excellent reviews. His newest novel, The Canticle of Ibiza, is a moving and darkly humorous tale of an American searching for his lost friend and former mentor on the mysterious Balearic Islands in Spain.
