A: This is for sure the question I’ve fielded most since I announced Rape Jokes, and I totally get why. As far as most of the world is concerned, rape is something you shouldn’t be cracking wise about, and rape jokes as a whole have been on the forefront of some of the most prominent debates about sexual assault and the media in the last few years. But Rape Jokes (the book) isn’t an attempt to make light of sexual assault or the people who’ve dealt with it. Initially, Rape Jokes was just a working title, but as I went on with the story it became clear that there isn’t a more succinct name for a romantic comedy about rape, and I stuck with it. I know for some people it’s off-putting, but it wasn’t my attempt to turn rape into a laughing matter.
Honestly, the idea for this book came when I turned to my partner late one evening, barely looking up from my tea, and cracked a “Ha, wouldn’t it be funny if there was a romantic comedy called Rape Jokes?” And now, here we are. What I’m saying is every idea you’ve had at ten past one in the morning is the best decision you’ll ever make.
Q: Are there any parts of the book you’re especially proud of and if so why?
A: Honestly, I’m proud of the entire thing and could talk about how very proud I am of it for days. If I had to narrow it down (and bear in mind that I am a British person so “taking pride in my achievements” is a new one on me), I’m really pleased with the fact that this is a book I really would have wanted to read even if I hadn’t written it. It covers some issues that I haven’t seen covered in other books (not that they’re not out there, just that I haven’t come across them yet), and I hope that it makes some people dealing with similar stuff feel understood.
Read more here: https://www.frayededgepress.com/qa-on-rape-jokes.html