Discover The Unique Blend Of History And Mystery In Faurez’s Captivating Novels
Theo Faurez, a Dominican friar, blends history and mystery in his novels, exploring themes of truth and justice through diverse characters and intricate plots set in ancient Antioch.
Theo Faurez, the literary persona of Frère Paul-Dominique Masiclat, O.P., is a name that resonates with readers who appreciate the intricate dance between history and mystery. Born in 1958, Faurez has traversed continents, living in Asia, Europe, and North America, experiences that have undoubtedly enriched his storytelling palette. A Dominican friar since 1987 and ordained priest in 1993, Faurez brings a unique perspective to the world of crime fiction, blending his deep understanding of human nature with a passion for ancient history. His ability to speak five languages, some fluently, further enhances his capacity to weave diverse cultural threads into his narratives. Beyond his literary pursuits, Faurez enjoys the meditative challenges of jigsaw puzzles and the culinary art of making asparagus soufflés, hinting at the meticulous attention to detail that characterizes his writing.
Faurez’s debut novel, *An Evil Planned*, set in the vibrant and multicultural city of Antioch in 100 AD, introduces readers to Captain Antonius Sabas, a detective of mixed Greco-Syrian heritage. This novel is a testament to Faurez’s masterful storytelling, where historical authenticity meets the suspense of a well-crafted mystery. His work is not just about solving crimes; it is an exploration of truth, justice, and the human condition, themes that resonate deeply with readers. As we anticipate the release of his next book, *Death of a High Priest*, in 2025, Faurez continues to captivate audiences with his ability to illuminate the past while offering insights into our present. In this interview, we delve into the mind of Theo Faurez, exploring the intersections of faith, history, and fiction that define his remarkable literary journey.
You’re a Dominican friar passionate about ancient history and crime fiction. How does your religious vocation fit in with writing murder mysteries?
Telling stories is an eminently human pastime. No other animal species does so. Human and divine pastime, since Jesus Christ also told stories. And like most Dominicans, fiction multi-tasks. It entertains, illustrates, teaches and nourishes all at once. The murder mysteries I write aim to multi-task. They’re about shedding light on a misdeed, uncovering truth obscured by falsehood and, last but not least, providing a satisfying read. Who done it? How do we know who done it? In the Bible, the first words God speaks are: “Let there be light.” One of the mottos of Dominican Order is Veritas – Truth.
Your novel An Evil Planned is set in Antioch in 100 AD. Tell us about the research and challenges of bringing that world to life.
The research was great fun, not only for understanding history but for getting to know historical characters. The main challenge is communicating that fun through fiction rather than through a doctoral thesis. Antioch was a fascinating place for Greeks, Romans, Jews and Christians. All of those cultures and histories met and interacted in Antioch. It was multi-cultural, to use a modern term. In that respect, it resembles major cities of today while still being very different. Bringing that difference to life can help us see our own world with an informed, critical eye.
Captain Antonius Sabas, the protagonist of An Evil Planned, is a complex individual of mixed-race Greco-Syrian background. What inspired you to create such a character and turn him into a detective?
The inspiration was history itself. Already in 100 AD the region had been an ethnic melting-pot for centuries. Improvements in sea-faring and a road system connecting the British Isles to the Euphrates River meant that tribalism was a thing of the past. Inter-marriage was normal. People could travel because they wanted to, sometimes because they were forced to. Like today. As for Captain Sabas, being Greco-Syrian facilitates his investigations. He’s familiar with the cultures of ninety percent of the population, he can read their behaviour patterns, hear what they’re not saying.
Mystery and crime novels often involve intricate plots and unexpected twists. How do you approach these elements in your writing?
I like to think I follow the Masters: Poe, Christie, Leblanc, many others. Give the reader all the clues, hide them in plain sight, build a relationship with the detective(s). One plot tactic I enjoy is subtext, where words mean one thing and their exact opposite. Famous example: “Come into my parlour,” said the spider to the fly. On the surface, a charming invitation. Children know it also means instant death, but grown-ups fall into that trap every single day.
Your novel includes a diverse cast of characters. How do they contribute to the themes of the novel, and what do you hope readers take away from their interplay?
Solving the mystery is the focus, but a character who has no friends or family, no loves, no outside interests, resembles no one in real life. A team of detectives allows for detecting in several places simultaneously. It allows for examining the clues from different angles, with a better chance of seeing through the subtext to reach the truth. Above all, a team adds depth. The “legal system” of 100 AD wasn’t like today’s, but people have the same questions. What is justice? Who gets it? How is it different from revenge? What to do when the murderer is your best friend? When is it time to forgive? When a pagan, a Jew and a Christian ask what justice is, their answers might not be the same, yet still all be true.
You live in Oslo. Does the city add something special to the creative writing process?
It’s not the location but the people. Everywhere I’ve lived, human nature is human nature. Everywhere people aspire to a good life, a joie de vivre. Everywhere people are capable of heart-melting kindnesses just as they are of all the evils under the sun. Yet no one city or country is exactly like another. Antioch will be a new and hopefully delightful discovery for those who read my books. I’m counting on the city’s inhabitants, with their quirks, customs and crimes, to be foreign yet familiar, like distant cousins one lost sight of but, when heard from again, make one wish one had never lost touch.
