Cummins Inc. is a global power leader that designs, manufactures, sells and services diesel and alternative fuel engines. But “Define Cummins” can also refer to author Megan Cummins and her impactful work. This article explores an interview with Megan Cummins, discussing her acclaimed short story collection, “If the Body Allows It,” and delving into its themes of illness, addiction, and the complex relationship between mind and body.
“If the Body Allows It,” winner of the 2019 Prairie Schooner Book Prize, offers a profound exploration of the human condition through the lens of Marie, a young woman navigating life with an autoimmune disease. The collection masterfully interweaves standalone stories, each titled after a body part (Heart, Eyes, Lungs), creating a cohesive narrative that resonates with readers.
The Physicality of Writing and the Influence of Editorial Work
In an interview with Alexander Tilney, Cummins discusses the role of the physical body in her writing process. While acknowledging the importance of the body in her daily life, she describes her writing as a process of surrendering to physical impulses, allowing for snacks, movement, and shifts between typing and handwriting. This fluid approach facilitates a “flow state” where the outside world fades away, enabling deep immersion in the narrative.
Cummins also reflects on the impact of her role as managing editor at A Public Space on her writing. She explains that while her editorial work doesn’t directly influence her creative process, the critical eye she develops as an editor informs her revisions. By asking herself questions about intention and detail, she strives to ensure her writing reaches unexpected and meaningful conclusions.
Structure, Themes, and the Body as a Defining Force
The unique structure of “If the Body Allows It,” with its body part sections and interconnected stories, emerged organically. Inspired by a writing prompt focusing on lies and weather events, Cummins found Marie’s voice and realized her potential to connect seemingly disparate narratives. The book became an exploration of self, both physically and as a character-writer, blurring the lines between truth and fiction.
A central theme in Cummins’s work is the body’s refusal to be solely defined by the mind. Through illness, addiction, and even social awkwardness, the characters’ bodies exert a powerful influence, shaping their experiences and limiting their choices. Cummins draws a parallel between the body’s attack on itself in autoimmune disease and the mind’s self-inflicted suffering through guilt.
The characters in “If the Body Allows It” often grapple with intergenerational trauma and the feeling of being an outsider. Cummins explores how illness and addiction can permeate families, impacting both physical and mental well-being. Marie’s connection with Patrick, another character grappling with similar struggles, highlights the shared experience of isolation and the search for belonging.
Displacement, Control, and the Setting of Newark
Cummins delves into the characters’ attempts to control external factors as a means of coping with internal struggles that feel beyond their grasp. This manifests in their relationships and attempts to solve others’ problems, reflecting a desire for control in the face of uncertainty and illness. This dynamic resonates with the broader societal anxieties surrounding health, politics, and social justice. Newark, the primary setting for the book, embodies this sense of limbo, a place of neither arrival nor departure. For Marie, Newark represents a temporary haven, a place to rebuild after a breakup, but ultimately, her inability to find stability reflects her underlying health challenges.
Resonance in a Time of Crisis
“If the Body Allows It” speaks to a universal human experience of navigating uncertainty and seeking meaning in instability. Published during a time of heightened global crisis, the book’s themes of illness, control, and societal anxieties resonate deeply. Cummins acknowledges the inherent political nature of writing and the importance of confronting personal and societal challenges head-on.
The collection concludes with a message of hope and resilience. Despite the hardships faced by the characters, they demonstrate a determination to confront their struggles and find meaning in their experiences. This message offers solace and inspiration in a world grappling with uncertainty. “If the Body Allows It” is a powerful testament to the enduring human spirit and the importance of acknowledging the interconnectedness of mind, body, and the external world.
