Jacqueline Crooks on Dickens, Morrison, and Finding Her Voice

Novelist Jacqueline Crooks shared insights into her literary journey and the formative influences that shaped her writing. Her earliest reading memory dates back to age eight when she was given "The Water-Babies" by Charles Kingsley. This novel, published in 1863, resonated deeply with her personal experience of being moved from her grandmother's care to live with her mother and stepfather, individuals she barely knew. Crooks described the story's theme of leaving one world and adapting to another as giving shape to her "unnamed feelings" and fostering a "survival imagination" that allowed her to envision possibilities beyond her immediate circumstances. This early exposure to literature provided a framework for navigating a significant life transition.

During her formative years, Charles Dickens' "David Copperfield" emerged as Crooks' favorite book. She found a profound connection with the protagonist's narrative arc, tracing David's journey from a state of exclusion to one of belonging. Crooks highlighted Dickens' skill in vividly portraying characters, enabling readers to "grow alongside them." The novel imparted a crucial lesson in empathy, illustrating how certain relationships provide essential sustenance while others necessitate detachment. This understanding of human connection and its complexities became a cornerstone of her literary perspective.

Crooks also spoke about the profound impact of Toni Morrison's distinctive voice on her own aspirations as a writer. Morrison's literary style and narrative power inspired Crooks to seek and cultivate her unique authorial voice. The influence of Morrison, a Nobel laureate in Literature, encouraged Crooks to explore her own creative path with confidence. She contrasted this with authors like Jane Austen, whom she consciously chose to avoid, suggesting a deliberate steering away from certain stylistic or thematic influences to preserve the integrity of her own emerging literary identity. The discussion also touched upon the playfulness found in the work of contemporary author Irenosen Okojie, indicating an appreciation for diverse literary approaches and a broad engagement with the contemporary literary landscape.

Crooks' reflections underscore the power of literature to provide solace, foster empathy, and inspire personal and creative growth. Her engagement with classic and contemporary authors reveals a thoughtful approach to literary influence, emphasizing the importance of finding one's own voice amidst a rich tapestry of literary traditions. The narrative of "The Water-Babies" served as an early metaphor for adaptation and survival, while "David Copperfield" provided lessons in empathy and the dynamics of relationships. The powerful resonance of Toni Morrison's voice ultimately propelled Crooks towards discovering and articulating her own unique contribution to literature.