“To the Bone”: Lincoln author’s novel of history, cannibalism and love

Photo by Izzy Lewis

On Sept. 13, Francie & Finch hosted a book launch of Lincoln author Alena Bruzas’ new book, “To the Bone.” Bruzas discussed her book, held a Q&A with the crowd and signed copies of her book.

In conversation with Dr. Kelsy Burke, a professor of sociology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Bruzas delved into the writing of controversial topics.

“By writing about these things, bringing them into light, they lose their power,” Burke said. “Then we can also take charge of some of the voices or messages that are out in the world.”

Bruzas’ first book, “Ever Since,” tackles the subject of abuse while “To the Bone” details a darker side of a history many may have not considered before. “To the Bone” follows a teenage girl in 1609 colonial America who is struggling with poverty and indentured servitude in an unfamiliar land. As winter approaches, starvation looms on the horizon for the colony.

“I think we forget that people who lived 400 years ago through these horrible, yet historical times were actually teenagers,” Bruzas said. “These young kids, you know, are grappling with their own death.”

“To the Bone” is a young adult historical horror novel. Set in historical times, the book also includes darker elements. Bruzas provides trigger warnings for the book including cannibalism, murder, domestic abuse, racial slurs, racism, violence related to colonialism, pregnancy, abortion, miscarriage, child death, body horror, blood, gore, starvation and more.

While the book has dark subject matter, there is also an exploration of teenage innocence. Three of the characters are teenagers, coping with the problems facing their community together. The main character experiences young love juxtaposed with the grim reality around her. Bruzas urges readers to undergo a thought exercise of considering what it would be like to be a teenager in these times.

“One thing that I really did my very best on was to make it totally historically accurate, because I think that’s how we honor the people who actually lived in this story,” Bruzas said. “I’m trying to tell the story that happened.”

Bruzas credited some of her inspiration to a Smithsonian article that presented archeological evidence of a young girl who was cannibalized in the Jamestown Colony. Additionally, Bruzas mentioned she received further influence from the book  “Love and Hate in Jamestown” by David Price. Her dedication to getting the facts right allows readers to understand the conditions of the time.

“I’m writing it to honor this person who died in such a grotesque way, but who was loved and whose life mattered,” Bruzas said. “I’m drawn to dark subjects, but part of the grotesqueness is just the reality, and I wouldn’t want to skip over that.”

Throughout the event, Bruzas emphasized the importance of acknowledging and elevating Indigenous voices. She directed audience members to visit her website to view a blog post where she discusses the Land Back movement.

Acknowledging the nuance required to write about something such as an American colony, Bruzas recommends readers also pick up books about Indigenous peoples from the colonial time period as well.

“It’s just so exciting when we have a room full of people that are interested and the author’s telling interesting stories,” Leslie Huerta, owner of Francie & Finch, said. “Usually there’s a Q&A and a book signing where people get to meet the author… it’s just an exciting vibe.”

Francie & Finch hosts events with a wide variety of authors. The store opened in 2016 and has a newsletter that goes out to 10,000 people every week. The store also holds an art gallery, which currently features work from Howard Kaye. Proceeds from the sale of his art will go to Lincoln Literacy and prison libraries.

Bruzas is currently working on her third book. Her next novel will be a fairytale retelling set on the Nebraskan prairie. She looks forward to having future events at Francie & Finch.

Published for the Daily Nebraskan, read here.