FANTASY & THE FAMILIAR

Author Leigh Bardugo on creating a believable world and writing fiction inspired by history

- SAMREEN TUNGEKAR

The genius behind the Netflix adapted Shadow And Bone trilogy, author Leigh Bardugo has always been about creating a world way ahead of its time. But for her new novel, The Familiar, she goes back to her roots, and brings to life her forgotten heritage, infusing it with some incidental magic. Bardugo delves into details about her writing process, the tricks of retelling history, and why her readers relate to the worlds she creates.

GRAZIA: It’s been over a decade to the first Shadow And Bone book, and people still find their way to it. What do you think works about it even today?
LEIGH BARDUGO: ‘Chosen one’ stories always have a certain resonance, and I think

Alina’s journey is meaningful to anyone who has ever felt like an underdog. Sometimes, people find their way to Shadow And Bone through Six of Crows, which has always had a bigger imprint online. But really, it’s all about the readers. They talk about these stories, and share playlists, cosplays, and quotes. They keep breathing new life into the Grishaverse.