The problem is that my parents are South Asian, and they wanted me to go into medicine. So as I grew older, I started realizing I can have a voice I can have that sense of control or that sense of belonging by writing. I think when you grow up feeling that way, you know that feeling like you have no power and just you don’t matter? It’s a lonely place to be. I had friends, and they were lovely, but I still never felt like I fit in, even always with them. I turned to books for comfort and for friendship, basically. I felt like an outcast, and I felt like I didn’t have a voice or any power. It was in a desert, similar to where the book takes place. I grew up in a small town, very isolated. The inspiration for this story is really seated in my childhood. What inspired you to write this story and drew you to this setting of Ancient Rome?

I wasn’t anticipating anything, just really hoping. Were you anticipating that? I know they put a big marketing push behind your book. Sabaa Tahir: Thank you! It feels awesome. Gabrielle Bondi: Congratulations on the New York Times! How does that feel? Also, any major spoilers that were discussed have been edited out, since we know many haven’t had a chance to read this awesome book yet.

A transcript of our conversation can be read below. It was a pleasure chatting with her before her book signing at The Book Stall in Winnetka, a suburb a few miles north of Chicago, IL. The world Sabaa creates for them is just as interesting. I read the book, which is a fantastic Young Adult epic adventure about two characters trying to survive a brutal, violent Ancient-Rome-like world.Īfter reading An Ember in the Ashes, you’ll find yourself wanting to talk about the characters: their perspectives, decisions, feelings, and relationships to each other. Last week, I had a great opportunity to speak with Sabaa Tahir, the author of An Ember in the Ashes, which debuted at #2 on the New York Time Bestsellers list.

Ember in the ashes