T.C. Boyle Interview

Summary

Colleen Wilcox, Superintendent of Schools for Santa Clara County, introduces the 2007 Silicon Valley Reads book, 'The Tortilla Curtain' by T.C. Boyle. In an interview with journalist Sal Pizarro, Boyle discusses the inspiration behind the novel, which deals with themes of immigration, social divisions, and environmentalism. Set in Los Angeles, the story explores the complexities of human nature and cultural tensions. Boyle reflects on criticism received for portraying diverse perspectives and shares his thoughts on the broader themes of borders, humanity, and the environment, highlighting his goal to provoke thought rather than preach a specific viewpoint.

Takeaways

• 📚 The book selected for Silicon Valley Reads 2007 is 'The Tortilla Curtain' by T.C. Boyle, a novel that addresses issues relevant to the diverse population of the U.S.
• 🌍 The book touches on important themes like immigration, environmental issues, and socio-political challenges in America.
• 🗣️ Boyle wrote the novel to process and understand the debates about illegal immigration in Los Angeles during the 1980s and 90s.
• 🖋️ Boyle emphasizes that as a novelist, he inhabits multiple perspectives in his characters, even across gender and cultural lines.
• 🌎 He highlights the complexity of immigration and its environmental impact, linking overpopulation to environmental degradation.
• 📖 Boyle faced criticism for writing from the perspective of a Mexican immigrant, but he argues that novelists should be free to explore diverse characters.
• 🌱 The book also critiques suburban life, environmental degradation, and class differences, with satire aimed at its main characters, Delaney and Kyra.
• 🐺 The coyote in the novel serves as a metaphor for human behavior, showing how both species migrate and survive despite borders.
• 🏡 The novel highlights socio-economic inequality, such as vacant mansions existing alongside homelessness and environmental destruction.
• 🎭 While the novel contains satirical elements, it also portrays dark, serious moments, blending humor with an exploration of complex societal issues.

Q & A

What is the significance of 'The Tortilla Curtain' as the 2007 book for Silicon Valley Reads?

The book was selected because it addresses many themes relevant to the diverse population of Silicon Valley, including immigration, environmental issues, and social division, making it a thought-provoking choice for community discussion.

What inspired T.C. Boyle to write 'The Tortilla Curtain'?

T.C. Boyle was inspired by the heated discussions around illegal immigration in Los Angeles in the late 1980s and early 1990s, particularly around Proposition 187. He wanted to sort out his thoughts on the issue and explore various perspectives.

How does T.C. Boyle describe the process of writing his novels?

Boyle explains that he doesn’t know what a book will say or feel until it evolves. For him, writing is a puzzle that unfolds, allowing him to explore and express himself through the characters and story.

How does T.C. Boyle respond to critics who questioned his ability to write from the perspective of a Mexican immigrant?

Boyle finds such criticism absurd, noting that if writers can only write from their own direct experiences, it would limit creativity. He argues that a novelist should be able to inhabit any character, regardless of gender, culture, or background.

What are the key themes explored in 'The Tortilla Curtain'?

The novel explores themes of immigration, environmentalism, social and economic division, and the idea of borders—both physical and metaphorical. It also addresses how people of different backgrounds intersect in modern society.

What is the significance of coyotes in 'The Tortilla Curtain'?

Coyotes serve as a metaphor for human beings in the novel. Just like coyotes, people cross borders and go wherever resources are available. Boyle uses the coyote to highlight the arbitrary nature of borders and to emphasize human survival instincts.

How does T.C. Boyle portray the flaws of his characters in the book?

All of Boyle’s main characters, including Cándido, America, Delaney, and Kyra, have flaws. He intentionally makes them multidimensional to avoid turning the novel into a one-sided commentary. The flaws serve to highlight different aspects of human behavior.

Why does Boyle believe the environmental themes in 'The Tortilla Curtain' are often overlooked?

Boyle notes that while the book is often seen as focusing primarily on immigration, environmental issues are equally important. Delaney, one of the protagonists, is an environmentalist, and the book explores how human population growth and development impact the natural world.

What does Boyle say about the universality of immigration and xenophobia?

Boyle highlights that xenophobia is not unique to the United States. He mentions how Mexico has issues with immigrants from Central America and stresses that xenophobia and social tensions related to immigration exist worldwide.

How does T.C. Boyle address the complexity of national borders in 'The Tortilla Curtain'?

Boyle questions the significance of borders, suggesting that they may no longer hold the same meaning in an interconnected, globalized world. He uses the metaphor of coyotes and discusses how, like animals, humans are driven by survival and will cross borders to access resources.