Debut novelist E.J. Simon’s first novel is titled “Death Never Sleeps.” In this interview, the man who was once CEO of the largest real estate company in New York, said, “I had the misfortune, at the age of five, to be in the same room with a relatively young uncle of mine—whom I loved—who died suddenly of a massive heart attack in front of me. It taught me at too early an age that life is fragile and that we don’t live forever. That event has surely stayed with me since that day—and is probably the underlying psychological impetus of this book.”
Simon also noted how that incident influenced his view of life. “First, I am fascinated with issues such as the fragility of the lives we live and how easily everything could dramatically change. I don’t believe, in most cases, any of us are destined to do what we do. Most of us become who we are—or do what we do in life—by a series of accidents or almost random occurrences or opportunities. Second, the growing power and influence of technology in our lives—and its potential to change our concepts of life—and death.”
“Death Never Sleeps” is about the potential of technology to create a virtual duplicate of ourselves. According to Simon, “It’s a psychological and technological drama—wrapped inside a traditional crime thriller.” It’s that fascination with human behavior and technology that led Simon to the idea for the book. He described it as, “Studying and observing the ability of computers to replicate human intelligence and thought.”
In closing, Simon, who is a self-described world traveler and food enthusiast, said, “Just as my story, ‘Death Never Sleeps’ does, my mind bounces back and forth between the serious concerns over life and death—and the great joy of being in beautiful places and enjoying great food!”
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Learn more about E.J. Simon on his website at www.ejsimon.com.
