The Arctic's Hidden Melody
Kendra Langford Shaw's childhood was a mix of wild beauty and adventure. Born in Sitka, Alaska, she was the oldest of five siblings. When she was eight, her family moved to a rural ranch in Montana. Shaw's experiences in these untamed landscapes have had a lasting impact on her writing. Her debut novel, "The Pillagers' Guide to Arctic Pianos", brings the natural wonders of her childhood to life in a unique way. Shaw describes the towering trees and vibrant colors of her youth as 'extra big and vibrant.' This sense of awe and curiosity drove her to create a story that explores the intersection of nature and human endeavor.
Shaw's novel is set in a not-too-distant future where the Arctic has become a final frontier for homesteaders. The story follows the Spahr family across generations as they navigate a changing environment. Scattered throughout their journey are large pianos, originally brought by the first settlers but lost along the way. The Spahr children see an opportunity in the growing market for these weathered instruments, but their efforts are complicated by environmental threats to their way of life. Shaw's exploration of the boom and bust cycle of natural resource extraction is informed by her own experiences growing up in Alaska and Montana. She reflects on the history of towns that spring up and then die, fueled by the extraction of gold, copper, silver, and oil.
The idea for her novel came to Shaw while she was a graduate student at the University of Michigan. She was inspired by her father's job as a music teacher, delivering instruments to remote schools in Alaska. Shaw wondered what would happen if these planes had crashed, leaving behind a trail of abandoned instruments. She focused on pianos, imagining how people might find new value in them. Shaw's upbringing in the West's natural landscapes also influenced her portrayal of the three Sohr family children, who embody the dynamic of growing up without screens. The siblings' industrious nature and creativity are woven throughout the narrative.
Shaw's novel tackles the pressing issue of climate change, which she sees affecting her two home states in different ways. In Montana, wildfires are growing in size and intensity, while in Alaska, rising waters are altering the landscape. Shaw's story raises important questions about building a life in a place where the land is disappearing. As the environment continues to change, Shaw expects many to consider whether to stay and adapt or leave. This decision is one she believes we will all have to confront in the years to come.
Shaw will be visiting Spokane to discuss her novel as part of the Northwest Passages book club. The event, scheduled for July 15 at the Montvale Event Center, offers a chance for readers to engage with her work and explore the themes and inspirations behind "The Pillagers' Guide to Arctic Pianos".
