Richard Alther: A Vermont Renaissance Man

Shelbourne News interviews Richard Alther about his provocative new novel, Roxie & Fred.Alther explained that his latest novel deals with the psychology of creativity. “Writing is cerebral and painting is from the gut,” he said. “I wanted to write about a character who stares at the easel for hours on end.”The Roxie character in the new book has led an unconventional life. She worked for the betterment of women, children, and the impoverished, but was a misfit as a wife and mother. After living in the city, she heads to the country to grow her own food, hike, practice yoga, and simplify life at the age of 88.“Roxie became my fantasy of a female following her own course,” Alther said. “She is how I’d like to picture myself in a decade or so.”For the full interview, click here.