To be a woman, a mother, and a writer. A conversation with Zane Zust and Džeina Šteinberga
The article features a conversation with Latvian authors Zane Zust and Džeina Šteinberga about their new books and their influences in children's literature.
In a studio setting, Henrieta Verhoustinska engages in an enlightening dialogue with two prominent Latvian writers, Zane Zust and Džeina Šteinberga, whose latest books have recently been released. Zane debuted with two books, namely "The Secret Journey to the Tooth Monster" for children and "Confessions of Married Women." Meanwhile, Džeina shares her second work titled "Star Child." The authors delve into the world of children's literature, a field Zane has been familiar with as the creator of the "Ucipuci" movement, which inspires young readers.
The conversation takes an interesting turn when discussing why they have chosen to write for children. Džeina reflects on her previous book, "The Reader," which surprisingly resonated with adolescents despite not being targeted towards them. She expresses her desire to create engaging stories for her preschool-aged son, wanting to foster a love for reading by sharing stories with him every evening. This personal motivation leads to the inspiration for her new book about a boy who descends from the stars, highlighting the intersection of motherhood and creativity in her work.
Both authors’ insights illustrate the evolving landscape of Latvian children's literature and the importance of crafting stories that resonate with young audiences. Their discussions underscore the nurturing aspect of storytelling, as they navigate the challenges and joys of motherhood while contributing valuable narratives to the literary world. The emergence of these fresh narratives provides a glimpse into how contemporary Latvian literature is being shaped by personal experiences and aspirations toward educating and entertaining the next generation.