Many individuals shy away from contemplating death, but not Keanu Reeves. The Hollywood star, now 59, candidly expressed, "I’m thinking about death all the time." He believes this perspective is beneficial, stating, "Hopefully it’s not crippling, but hopefully it’s sensitising us to an appreciation of the breath we have, and the relationships that we have the potential to have."
Reeves, widely known for his role in The Matrix, is currently promoting a new venture—not a blockbuster film, but his debut novel. Titled The Book of Elsewhere, co-authored with renowned British science fiction writer China Miéville, the story centers on an immortal warrior who yearns for mortality.
The duo met in an intimate hotel bar in central London, where the Canadian actor, balancing a busy schedule with his band, Dogstar, discussed his literary endeavor. Despite a wearied appearance after a recent concert in Manchester, Reeves’ enthusiasm for his novel was palpable.
The Book of Elsewhere expands upon the popular BRZRKR comic book series, also created by Reeves. Released in 2021, the comic has garnered attention for its impending adaptations into both a live-action film and an anime series.
Reeves expresses a deep love for the interplay of images and storytelling in comic books. "I love the images and storytelling. It’s engaging; you read and observe simultaneously," he stated. However, he downplays his contribution to the novel’s writing, asserting, "China wrote a novel."
Miéville countered, calling this view an understatement, emphasizing that Reeves’ input was instrumental in shaping the work.
The novel’s protagonist, known simply as "B," shares stylistic traits with Reeves, including long dark hair. Fans have drawn parallels between the character’s challenging life experiences and those of the actor, who has faced significant personal losses throughout his life. However, the similarities largely end there; B is 80,000 years old and possesses a violent nature that starkly contrasts with Reeves’ known persona as "the nicest man in Hollywood."
This contrasts with Reeves’ portrayal of B, a character capable of extreme violence. He notes, "I think it was influenced by some of the action films that I had done," referencing his roles in iconic action franchises like Speed and John Wick.
The comic received favorable reviews upon release, and both Reeves and Miéville hope to replicate that success with the novel. Critics have offered mixed density ratings, with some noting the graphic nature of its violence. As such, the duo was asked about the implications of violence depicted in storytelling.
Reeves expressed hope that readers engage with the narrative responsibly, advocating for the love story embedded within the graphic violence. Miéville echoed this sentiment, dismissing notions that fictional violence directly translates to real-world actions, calling it cultural scapegoating.
In exploring the project, one might wonder if crafting such a fantasy realm serves as an escape for Reeves. He acknowledged, "Maybe ultimately the fantasy of building another world brings some kind of comfort."
As the conversation drew to a close, inquiries into how Reeves might utilize the novel’s proceeds revealed his candid thoughts on ownership. While known for his philanthropic spirit, he clarified, "I love owning things; I’m certainly not going to present myself as someone who gives everything away."
The Book of Elsewhere is set for publication on July 23, promising to captivate readers with its blend of fantasy and introspection.
