The Taxidermist
Tough-love and Mother-figure
Most people who have read my work are familiar with Undead Folk. In this book, which is primarily about a daughter’s relationship with her father, another character is introduced, one who’s role in Janet’s life is fleshed out over the course of the next several books: The Taxidermist.
When I set out to create this character, I did so with the idea that she was a woman who had survived in this dystopian world by doing what she knew best, using her trade as a means to barter for goods. But she became much more than that as the story was fleshed out and we got to see deeper parts of Janet. We begin to see how she became the woman she is today. And she wouldn’t be who she is without the Taxidermist, the mother-figure of The Deadlands/Dustlands.
There’s still so much that readers don’t know about her—including her real name. My goal was this character was to create someone who had become hardened by the world but who still understood the sense of community, what it is to exist with others, what she had to do in order to keep Janet safe.
Not all women are mothers. Not all women want to be. Such is the case with The Taxidermist. She’s always been a loner, even within her caravan. However, given the inhospitable conditions of the world after the drought and the death/abandonment of Janet by her parents, the Taxidermist chose to adopt this little girl into her travelling caravan, to feed and clothe her because she is, at heart, a mother.
Throughout the series, we get more information about their relationship, most of the pieces falling into place in Nothingland. After all of the times that Janet has run away to pursue revenge, to understand who she is, to try and come to terms with her grief and anger, the Taxidermist still invites her back into the caravan when she needs a place to stay, still makes her food, still gives her a warm place to sleep.
A mother does these things because she loves, above all else, unconditionally, even when she’s been hurt. The capacity to keep caring, to keep opening their heart is unbroken.
The Taxidermist is an unsung hero in these stories, especially so in Into The Darkening Dust, the latest release in these books. Someday, I’d love to write a story just from her POV, perhaps of her life before the drought. Until then, she remains a mysterious and enduring part of this series and one that I love very much.
Have you read The Deadlands? Are you ready to embark into The Dustlands?
Until next time,
Kat