Lupa, the central
character of Mother of Wolves, was originally a minor
character in a children’s book I wrote (and abandonned). However
she had made such an impression on one of my beta-readers that he
suggested I write a book about her. The more I thought about it, the
more I thought it a good idea, but the book was definitely not a book
for children.
In a
previous post I
wrote about how I was inspired by three Czech 18th century folk
paintings of the persecution of the Roma to write Mother
of Wolves.
As those of you who have read Girl
in the Glass will
know, I am interested in women overcoming prejudice and
discrimination. As a historian I am also fascinated by great women
leaders: women who, despite living and ruling in a male-dominated
society, commanded the love and/or respect of their people. I first
came to the attention of my mentor and junior school poetry teacher
with a poem about Boudicea at the age of 8. My first major piece of
writing (at 13) was a verse-play about Joan of Arc. Of all my
historical heroines Elizabeth I is perhaps the most influential on
the character of Lupa.
The book allowed me to
explore what makes a successful female leader and what might trigger
such a leader to step forward. In Lupa’s case the trigger is the
betrayal and murder of her husband and the need to protect her
children, but once on the road Lupa becomes the leader her people
need in the face of the threat of genocide.
So what are the traits
that Lupa shares with historic women leaders? Like Boudica Lupa is
spurred into action by a desire for revenge, like Elizabeth I she has
a genuine love of her people, like Joan of Arc she has self belief.
Like Boudica she pulls together disparate tribes, like Joan of Arc
she leads her troops into battle, and like Elizabeth I she surrounds
herself with good counsellors. She is both charming and ruthless.
When I was younger some
people suggested that as an up-and-coming poet I should study English
Literature at university, instead I studied history. I have never
regretted it.
