Amidst the icy expanses of Antarctica, a young scientist from Wisconsin finds herself entangled in a scientific enigma that could offer her a chance to mend a significant part of her past. This intriguing scenario forms the basis of “Under Story,” the latest novel by Chloe Benjamin. Known for her extensive connection to Wisconsin, Benjamin weaves a tale rich in scientific exploration, emotional depth, and vibrant depictions of her former home state.
Benjamin’s novel serves as “a love letter to Wisconsin,” as she shared with WPR’s “Wisconsin Today.” The narrative is replete with Wisconsin elements, from apple orchards and small towns to the bustling coffee shops of Madison. Even a notable Wisconsin Public Radio host makes an appearance, underscoring the state’s significant role in the story.
Benjamin is set to discuss her book in Milwaukee at Boswell Books on September 8 and at the Wisconsin Book Festival at the Madison Central Library on September 9.
Exploring the Understory
Rob Ferrett: Introduce us to Laurel, the book’s protagonist.
Chloe Benjamin: Laurel hails from an apple orchard, inspired by Door Creek Orchard in Cottage Grove. This setting, with its upper and lower orchards, mirrored the cosmological themes of parallel universes I was exploring.
The book delves into the concept of the “understory,” both in a biological sense and as a metaphor for personal transformation. Laurel’s research on fungi and the deeper layers beneath the forest canopy parallels the hidden depths of human experiences.
Scientific Curiosity
RF: How does the scientific theme integrate with the narrative?
CB: The novel was inspired by real scientific experiments in Antarctica, particularly the Anita project, which observed neutrinos behaving unexpectedly. This led to theories about a CPT symmetric universe, a concept that fascinated me, despite being eventually disproven.
Laurel’s story reflects this curiosity, as she navigates both scientific mysteries and personal challenges, ultimately embodying the understory concept as a record of growth and change.
Wisconsin’s Influence
RF: How does Wisconsin feature in your storytelling?
CB: Having spent 15 years in Wisconsin, the state significantly shaped my writing. It’s a vibrant backdrop for stories, filled with rich environmental and cultural history. Wisconsin’s essence permeates the novel, from its institutions to its everyday life, and I aimed to capture this in my narrative.
While Wisconsin might not always be recognized as a literary muse, it holds immense potential for storytelling, a sentiment I hope to convey through my work.
