A Story of Memory, Identity and Elephants in Space

The book Barsk: The Elephant's Graveyard is a science fiction space opera set in a far future where humanity is gone, but their successors live on in a race of civilized, sentient animals. The novel is an exploration of memory, emotion and identity, all within the story of a Fant named Jorl and truths that are revealed after centuries of being hidden. Lawrence Schoen spoke with Crystal Sarakas about writing about these anthropomorphic characters.Lawrence M. Schoen holds a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology, has been nominated for the Campbell, Hugo, and Nebula awards, is a world authority on the Klingon language, operates the small press Paper Golem, and is a practicing hypnotherapist specializing in authors’ issues.His previous science fiction writings includes many light and humorous adventures of a space-faring stage hypnotist and his alien animal companion. His most recent book, Barsk, takes a very different tone, exploring issues of prophecy, intolerance, friendship, conspiracy, and loyalty, and redefines the continua between life and death. He lives near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with his wife and their dog.