We’re so excited to be a part of the blog tour for THAT INEVITABLE VICTORIAN THING by E.K. Johnston, but before we share our interview with you, we want to tell you about the book!
That Inevitable Victorian Thing by E. K. Johnston (Website, Twitter, Goodreads)Published by Penguin on October 3rd 2017
Genres: General, LGBT, Romance, Science Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Pages: 336
Format: ARC
Set in a near-future world where the British Empire never fell and the United States never rose, That Inevitable Victorian Thing is a novel of love, duty, and the small moments that can change people and the world.
Victoria-Margaret is the crown princess of the empire, a direct descendent of Victoria I, the queen who changed the course of history two centuries earlier. The imperial practice of genetically arranged matchmaking will soon guide Margaret into a politically advantageous marriage like her mother before her, but before she does her duty, she'll have one summer incognito in a far corner of empire. In Toronto, she meets Helena Marcus, daughter of one of the empire's greatest placement geneticists, and August Callaghan, the heir apparent to a powerful shipping firm currently besieged by American pirates. In a summer of high-society debutante balls, politically charged tea parties, and romantic country dances, Margaret, Helena, and August discover they share an unusual bond and maybe a one in a million chance to have what they want and to change the world in the process —just like the first Queen Victoria.
Describe That Inevitable Victorian Thing in 5 words.
Near-future Sci-fi Canadian Idealistic Romance
How did That Inevitable Victorian Thing come about, what was your inspiration? What made you think you had to write this story?
The year was 2013, and two very important things happened that summer: PACIFIC RIM was released in theatres, and I finally got to watch North & South. Then, on an airport shuttle to Detroit, I had an idea, and the rest was (alternate) history. I wanted to write a story that showed what we could have been without erasing what we were, in the hopes that it would show us who we are and can be.
What was the hardest scene for you to write in That Inevitable Victorian Thing and why?
There’s a scene where like nine people have breakfast together and I just GROUP SCENES ARE THE WORST.
Can you share (without spoilers) a line or section of That Inevitable Victorian Thing that is your favorite?
There’s a scene towards the end that contains a line near and dear to my heart. When I wrote it—my brain a bit hazy because I was so close to finishing the first draft—I had a moment of absolute clarity: I knew that Andrew Karre was going to base our entire revision around the line I had just typed.
“There hasn’t been a true schism in the Church of the Empire since they expanded the Council to include non-Anglicans in 1927. They’re probably due.”
Spoilers: I was right.
Since we’re talking 2017 books, what upcoming 2017 release (besides your own) are you most excited to read?
I’m reading into 2018 now, and I have to tell you: nothing will ever make me as happy as The Queens of Innis Lear did. You should probably pre-order it right. Also, I am deeply terrified of zombies, but I’ve had Justina Ireland’s Dread Nation pre-ordered from the moment the links went up.
Favorites
Favorite Song (right now): Despacito
Favorite Book (right now): The Queens of Innis Lear
Favorite TV Show/Movie: Leverage
Favorite Word: plenipotentiary
Favorite Color: purple
Favorite Curse Word: tabernac
About E. K. Johnston
E.K. Johnston had several jobs and one vocation before she became a published writer. If she’s learned anything, it’s that things turn out weird sometimes, and there’s not a lot you can do about it. Well, that and how to muscle through awkward fanfic because it’s about a pairing she likes.
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