Movie 'The Aftermath' with Keira Knightley, interview with author Rhidian Brook

Rhidian Brook is author of the book 'The Aftermath'

The movie The Aftermath is directed by James Kent and starring Keira Knightley, Alexander Skarsgård. It's based on the book of Rhidian Brook, The Aftermath.

Q. In novel “The Aftermath” the conflicts are both political and personal. How did you ever choose this theme?

A. The theme sprang from having a character wrestle with the challenge of reconstructing both a marriage and a country – the micro and the macro – and a desire to explore how those things

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Movie The Aftermath

Q. How was the idea of the book born?

A. The idea was inspired by the action taken by my grandfather - Walter Brook – who, as Governor of Pinneberg, went to requisition a house and rather than throw the German owners out, decided to let them stay and share the house. Thus two families – former enemies – shared a house for five years.

Q. You have also worked on the film?

A. I co-wrote the script and was involved in production discussions up until filming. I’ve been more closely involved than is usual for the author.

Q. If you could be born in a historical character, who would you be and why?

A. Maybe the disciple John, author of John’s gospel. If only to hang around God as he walked the earth.

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The Aftermath

Q. You wrote “More Than Eyes Can See: A Nine Month Journey into the Aids Pandemic”. How was it born, and after ten years do you think the social situation has changed?

A. I was asked if I’d write a book for the Salvation Army who do a lot of work in the HIV Aids field. It was a left field commission, and one I nearly declined. In the end I went with my wife and two children and spent a year in communities affected by HIV/Aids. From what I know, I think the social situation around the pandemic has improved. Infection rates are lower and treatment and response more effective.

Q. What is your next project?

A. I have just finished my next novel – The Killing of Butterfly Joe. It’s based on my experiences of selling butterflies in glass cases in the USA, when I was 23 years old. I travelled to 32 states and experienced an epic adventure. I am now embarking on adapting the novel (out March) for the screen, working with the producer of Room and The Theory of Everything.