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The catalyst for my debut novel was a newspaper article called Save our Food Free the Seed. When I say catalyst, what I mean is I felt as though my hair caught on fire. In 1980, the Supreme Court allowed living organisms to be patented. This opened the door to patents on fruits and vegetables, plant traits or attributes, for example, even the color of a carrot. With this decision, as well as scientific advancement and government policies, agriculture in the United States evolved from a large base of small farms to a few large industrial agribusinesses.
Another motivation was to base the book in part in a city I love—New Orleans. Growing up in New Orleans gave me the opportunity to experience many different cultures and backgrounds, and I wanted that for my characters. A university setting was a realistic place where they could meet, interact, and participate in a class that became the framework to the challenges they faced. As they worked together, I had a natural platform for them to express different perspectives and values.
I also hoped to highlight the importance of small farmers and the critical contribution they make to our country. It’s a way of life that is endangered and we should be doing much more to support them. And finally, I wanted to show a nuanced view of the scientists. It’s not all black and white, or good and bad.
Finally, it's a story about friendship, love, and personal choices.
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
A Place Unmade is a work of fiction in the environmental issues, thriller, and intrigue subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Carla Seyler, this fascinating novel delves into the consequences of a crime and a disaster orchestrated by a corporate executive, and the ensuing efforts to thwart his destructive plans. Valentina Sorelli, a part-time graduate student and marketing director, finds herself entangled in the web of deceit spun by Jack Stillman, who hijacks his company's research for personal gain. Their paths converge when Valentina encounters Jack's son, Sam, linking the realms of scientific discovery and corporate espionage. As Valentina and her classmates join forces to stop Jack, they receive assistance from a corporate whistleblower and the FBI. Amidst the chaos, Valentina's relationship with a classmate deepens as they confront imminent danger, unveiling the perils of biodiversity loss and patentable genetics.
Author Carla Seyler has crafted a masterful work of climate fiction that brings together elements of suspense, romance, and environmental awareness, creating a gripping narrative that resonates on multiple levels with current events. The characters are compelling and well-developed, each grappling with their own motivations and moral dilemmas in the face of Jack Stillman's machinations. I found the dialogue authentic, naturally placed, and used as a very clever tool to get a lot of exposition and explanation across easily. Seyler's exploration of corporate greed brings a very realistic sense of urgency to the plot, prompting readers to reflect on the real-world implications of unchecked scientific exploitation. I also really enjoyed the evolving relationship between Valentina and her classmate as a well-balanced emotional relief from the heavier aspects of the plot, offering a ray of hope in the face of disaster. Overall, A Place Unmade is an exhilarating and thought-provoking experience that kept me engaged from beginning to end, and I would highly recommend it to fans of intelligent, well-paced thrillers.
