The Mortons: A Fresh Take on Crime Fiction for Adults by Scott Westerfeld and Justine Larbalestier
When Scott Westerfeld and Justine Larbalestier decided to collaborate on a novel, they dove headfirst into the world of crime fiction, crafting a story that challenges the conventions of both the genre and their careers. The result is The Mortons, which, according to the authors, might be their most significant work yet. Set to be published in July by Viking’s Pamela Dorman Books imprint, this adult novel reveals not just a new chapter in their creative partnership but also a shift in how stories about crime and loyalty can resonate in today’s literary landscape.
Exploring Themes of Family and Morality
At the heart of The Mortons is Jessica Morton, a character whose upbringing within a deadly crime family shapes her outlook. Jessica's coldness and fierce loyalty to her family raise questions about the nature of empathy and moral responsibility. Larbalestier succinctly describes Jessica's chilling traits: “She has to learn to cry by copying other children.” This detail encapsulates the brutal training that prepares her for the harsh realities of her family's legacy, where murder is not just a business but a heritage.
The authors have noted that the narrative conflict revolves around the tension between loyalty to one's family and the capacity for empathy, an issue that resonates on both fictional and real-world levels. Westerfeld articulates this duality, suggesting that the novel reflects the lack of empathy that can sometimes feel pervasive in society today.
A Shifting Market for Young Adult and Adult Fiction
Westerfeld and Larbalestier's journey from young adult (YA) fiction to adult crime stories brings attention to the shifting landscape of both genres. Having established their careers in YA, where Westerfeld’s Uglies series found immense success, they now face different constraints and freedoms in adult literature. Larbalestier reflects on this evolution, noting, “When I started writing YA, the market was very different... The genre was wide open.” This openness contrasted sharply with the current climate, where book banning is increasingly affecting what can be published and accessed by young readers.
Westerfeld adds a layer of intrigue around this transition, arguing that, contrary to popular belief, writing for teens allows for more creative freedom than adult genres. The flexibility and inventiveness of YA can lead to surprising narratives, a trait they now aim to bring into their collaboration. Their experience underscores a broader trend: as the landscape of literature shifts, so too do the opportunities for authors exploring rich, complex themes.
A Partnership Reinvented
The collaboration between Westerfeld and Larbalestier isn't just a fusion of narrative styles but also an exploration of their personal and professional relationship. Married since 2001, both authors have critiqued each other's work for decades, but The Mortons represents their first co-authored effort. This collaboration has not only merged their unique voices but has also evolved their understanding of each other's creative processes.
Remarkably, the project began with Larbalestier’s earlier ideas that were initially shelved due to her struggles with health. The authors share a fascinating backstory of how their inputs transformed a single chapter into a sprawling novel filled with darker, richer elements—like Helshire College, a key setting where crime is normalized. With Westerfeld adding layers inspired by his observations of old-money families, the story expanded in ways neither had anticipated.
Creating a New Narrative in the Genre
With themes of crime and family loyalty at the forefront, The Mortons will likely provoke discussions around the morality of familial obligation versus personal ethics. This nuanced portrayal forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about loyalty—both within families and in broader societal contexts. Given the authors' track record in YA, their approach to adult themes could pioneer a new narrative style that blends the immediacy of young adult sentiments with adult complexity.
Moreover, they’ve taken an unconventional step in promoting the novel: they dressed in cosplay as characters from The Mortons for promotional imagery. This choice likely signals a desire to connect with fans visually and thematically, setting a tone for what to expect from a literary experience designed to evoke strong reactions and perhaps a deeper discourse on the complexities of crime narratives.
What's Next for Westerfeld and Larbalestier?
As they gear up for the July release, both authors are already envisioning the future of The Mortons within the literary community. Their desire for readers to engage with the characters—ideally even through cosplay—indicates an ambition not just for commercial success but for impactful storytelling that resonates on various levels. Furthermore, they are reportedly already at work on a sequel, hinting that this collaborative approach might become a hallmark of their joint literary venture.
Ultimately, The Mortons isn’t merely another crime fiction novel; it's a commentary on the evolving nature of storytelling itself, as well as a testament to the power of collaborative creativity. As Westerfeld and Larbalestier continue to redefine their narrative landscapes, industry professionals would be wise to watch how their endeavor may set the stage for future collaborations across genres.
