Interview with David Norman Lewis: The Stories Beneath The Golden Basement
📖 Some books entertain, some books challenge, and every now and then, one lingers long after the final page. The Golden Basement is one of those books.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with David Norman Lewis, the author of The Golden Basement, for the very first For Eye Books Author Interview! We explored the novel’s fascinating blend of history, mystery, existentialism, and pop culture, along with the inspirations behind its layered storytelling.
This conversation took us deep into the underground world of 90s Seattle, the tension between cynicism and belief, and the forgotten figures of history who live in the margins. It was an insightful, entertaining discussion, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Link to the Full Review:
What is The Golden Basement?
David Norman Lewis describes the book in four words:
🕳 Underground Monsters
🎸 90s Seattle
🎭 Dark Comedy
🌫 Trippy
It’s a novel where history collides with myth, where pop culture shapes reality, and where people cling to their beliefs even in the face of the unexplainable.
One of the best descriptions Lewis has heard? “Happy Bleakness.” And honestly, that might be the perfect way to capture this book’s tone.
The book takes place against the backdrop of early 90s Seattle, a time of idealism, media optimism, and the belief that history itself had ended after the Cold War. But beneath the surface, the past is still shifting, forgotten, and waiting to be unearthed.
Key Themes from Our Discussion
🔄 Cynicism vs. Belief
One of the most fascinating aspects of The Golden Basement is how it explores the tension between cynicism and belief.
- Some characters hold unshakable faith in history, ideals, or even other people.
- Others, like the book’s protagonist Evan, grow up fully shaped by media narratives, believing everything he sees on TV.
- Lewis points out that cynicism itself is a form of belief—some people hold onto their skepticism just as tightly as others hold onto hope.
“Cynicism is like being drunk when it’s cold. It makes you feel warmer, but you’re still freezing to death.”
🏛 History, Forgotten Narratives & the 90s
The novel takes place in 1990 Seattle, during the Goodwill Games, an Olympic-style event that Seattle saw as a world-changing moment… but that most of the world ignored.
- This was the era historians called “The End of History”—when many believed global conflict was over and American-style democracy would spread everywhere.
- Lewis researched National Geographic issues from the late 80s and early 90s to capture the idealism and optimism of the time.
- Seattle’s underground history plays a huge role in the book, with forgotten figures and stories that get buried—literally and figuratively.
“It’s like an excavation. You can find remnants of history, but you don’t always know what they mean.”
🎭 Pop Culture, Zine Culture & Media Influence
The novel draws heavily from 90s zine culture, where people self-published conspiracy theories, underground comics, and countercultural critiques.
- Evan, the protagonist, grows up underground, seeing only local TV, pop culture, and media, which completely shape his worldview.
- Many of the book’s characters are inspired by real people Lewis knew, particularly those who filtered their entire worldview through the media they consumed as kids.
- The Golden Basement captures the DIY, rebellious energy of 90s zines, drawing influence from Hunter S. Thompson and William Burroughs.
The Ending & Alternative Versions
Without giving too much away, Lewis originally considered several different endings, and many characters went through major rewrites.
The final version was inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s notebooks, where Hawthorne outlined a never-written novel about a man raised from birth to serve a master—only to be left without guidance when that master dies.
“I read that and thought, ‘Well, there’s the ending I’ve been looking for.’”
What’s Next for David Norman Lewis?
📖 Upcoming Book: The Burning of Moses Seattle and Other True Stories from Old Puget Sound
- A real-life Western about Chief Seattle’s grandson, Moses Seattle, who was burned alive in an unsolved murder mystery.
🎥 Film Projects:
- Fantasy Against a Mattress – A currently unreleased film, only available in Seattle and the Netherlands.
- Crystal Ball – A follow-up film currently in development.
Final Thoughts & Where to Follow David Norman Lewis
This was an incredible conversation with an author who brings history, mythology, and forgotten stories to life in a truly unique way. If you love books that mix history, pop culture, horror, and dark humor, The Golden Basement is a must-read.
📚 Follow David Norman Lewis
🌐 Website: Dr. Clean Productions
📸 Instagram: @evergreenape2024
📖 Read The Golden Basement – [Insert Link]
Let’s Discuss!
💬 Have you read The Golden Basement? What themes stood out to you the most? Let’s talk in the comments!
📢 If you enjoyed this interview, share it with fellow book lovers! And don’t forget to subscribe to For Eye Books for more author conversations, reviews, and bookish adventures.
