Joe Dunthorne, the author of the acclaimed novel Submarine, has opened up about his upbringing in Swansea and his complex relationship with the city’s most famous literary son, Dylan Thomas. In a recent interview, Dunthorne revealed that growing up in Swansea, he developed what he describes as an ‘allergy’ to the poet.
Early Life in Swansea
Dunthorne, who was born and raised in Swansea, explained that the constant presence of Dylan Thomas in the city’s cultural landscape had a paradoxical effect on him. ‘In Swansea, you can’t escape Dylan Thomas,’ he said. ‘His face is on mugs, his words are on walls, and his legacy is everywhere. For a young person trying to find their own voice, that can be suffocating.’
The Poet’s Overwhelming Influence
The novelist described how the poet’s omnipresence led to a kind of literary indigestion. ‘It’s like being force-fed a diet of Thomas from a young age. You develop an allergy, a resistance. I needed to break free from that shadow to write my own stories.’ Dunthorne’s debut novel, Submarine, which was later adapted into a film, is set in Swansea but features a protagonist who is distinctly modern and detached from the city’s poetic heritage.
Reclaiming Swansea’s Narrative
Dunthorne’s comments come as part of a broader reflection on how Welsh writers navigate the legacy of Dylan Thomas. While acknowledging Thomas’s genius, Dunthorne argues that Swansea is more than just the birthplace of one poet. ‘Swansea has a rich, diverse cultural history that goes beyond Dylan Thomas. There are many stories to tell, and I wanted to tell one of them.’
His latest work continues to draw on his Welsh roots, but with a fresh perspective that aims to capture the contemporary experience of life in the city. ‘I’m not trying to compete with Thomas. I’m just trying to add my own voice to the chorus,’ he said.
Reactions from the Literary Community
The interview has sparked discussion among literary circles about the influence of canonical figures on emerging writers. Some have praised Dunthorne for his honesty, while others have defended Thomas’s enduring relevance. However, Dunthorne remains unfazed. ‘I have great respect for Dylan Thomas, but I also think it’s healthy for writers to rebel against their influences. That’s how literature evolves.’
Joe Dunthorne’s reflections offer a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities of growing up in a city defined by a literary giant. His ‘allergy’ may be a form of creative resistance, but it has certainly not diminished his own literary ambitions.
