Peter Heller: Inspired by Poetry, Apocalypse

Author Peter Heller has revealed the literary inspirations behind his 2012 novel, 'The Dog Stars'. The book, now a film starring Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, and Margaret Qualley, follows two survivors of a super-flu pandemic in Colorado. Heller discussed his influences in an edited conversation with The New Yorker.

Heller did not initially set out to write a post-apocalyptic story. He had recently read Melville's 'Typee', a utopian Polynesian fever dream that turns to nightmare. 'The Dog Stars' was his first novel. He wanted to follow the narrative current without heavy plotting. The post-apocalyptic nature of his tale only struck him around page three. 'Crap, I don't want to write a post-apocalyptic novel . . .' he recalled thinking.

Philosophy of Survival

For a personal philosophy of survival, Heller pointed to two works. Nevil Shute's 'On the Beach' deeply affected him. The novel's portrayal of maintaining daily rituals as mass death approaches struck a chord. Heller believes such perseverance requires tremendous courage. He also finds solace in 'Ishi in Two Worlds'. Like its protagonist, Heller takes great comfort in wild places.

The Essential Bunker Book

If confined to a bunker with only one book, Heller's choice would be poetic. He would take Red Pine's translation of 'Poems of the Masters'. Heller is enchanted by Tang Dynasty poets like Li Bai, Xue Tao, Du Fu, and Li Shangyin. He marvels at their ability to immerse a reader in a scene with just a few lines, then break their heart. He calls them the original blues men and women.

Lasting Hauntings and Recommendations

One piece of writing has stayed with Heller for years. It is not a novel, but a poem. He cannot shake T. S. Eliot's 'Four Quartets'. The music and cadence of its passages, even specific lines, often return to him. He is frequently moved by them anew.

For fiction recommendations, Heller champions 'The Snow of the Admiral'. It is the first novella in Álvaro Mutis's 'The Adventures and Misadventures of Maqroll'. Heller describes this Colombian up-the-river story as rivaling 'Heart of Darkness' in its ruminative lyricism and propulsion.

On Adaptation and Creative Freedom

Heller is open to adaptations of his work. He cited the film 'Hamnet' as a favorite for capturing its source book's spirit while being a compelling two-hour romp. When screenwriter Mark L. Smith called about adapting 'The Dog Stars', Heller gave full creative freedom. Smith would ask if he could change scenes. Heller's response was always permission. 'I'm honored that another artist is inspired by the book to create a discrete, new work of art. Have at it,' he said. Freedom was his stance.

The source also noted several upcoming book releases from other authors, including new works by Robert Harris, Marlon James, Grace Krilanovich, and Emily St. John Mandel set for September.