GLAM Book Chat: Shani Krebs

GLAMOUR Book Club spoke to Dragons & Butterflies author Shani Krebs – who was sentenced to 100 years for heroin trafficking – about his riveting, and ultimately inspiring, biography.

GLAMOUR: What inspired you to write and share your story?

Like everybody else, I have a story to tell, and when sentenced to a life in prison and losing one’s freedom your perception of life changes. I had time to reflect on my past and how I arrived at the present. It was not a pretty picture. My story had to be told, for whatever it meant to whoever read it.

Could you tell us something the book doesn’t?

Even though my life is like an open book, people don’t know that I am actually a very private and secretive person. I don’t like pets, I love swimming and enjoy long walks. I hardly ever read books. I also collect paper – specifically drawing paper. And then there are some things you will never know.

Art is something that is always present in your life. What did you enjoy most about writing?

I find it easier to articulate my thoughts through writing; I developed a passion for letter writing through the many people I communicated with while in prison. Going deeper, the beauty of art is that the imagination has no boundaries and you are literally free to paint whatever comes to mind. Art enabled me to escape my reality and I would encounter an out-of-body experience when I was in the ‘zone’. Like writing, art is therapeutic.

What is the inspiration behind the title Dragons & Butterflies?

Dragons are popular mythological creatures in Asian culture. In prison, a tattoo of the dragon symbolized the Thai underworld’s ‘The Samurai’ paid assassins. I have many tattoos of dragons & butterflies: the dragon representing my dangerous side, the butterfly being a symbol of profound changes of my soul and my artistic side.

What was your survival mechanism in prison?

For one, I lived in absolute faith and kept my mind occupied, from studying Judaism, praying, exercising, letter writing and painting to playing backgammon. Ironically, there weren’t enough hours in a day to practice all my interests. My art was my salvation and through the many activities I was involved in I found purpose, therefore my life became more meaningful. Without my art, I would have easily gone insane.

What did you miss most while in prison?

When you’re subjected to a life of deprivation, I think the thing that you miss most is intimacy – simple gestures, like a hug. I missed normality of conveniences like clean running hot water, a bed, soft pillows, a chair; everything in prison is designed to cause as much discomfort as possible.

How do you feel about the support you’ve received globally – personally and for the book?

I remain indebted to all those who supported me. Without my family and all the other people around the world who supported me, I can only imagine how differently my life may have turned out in prison. Knowing that all my needs were taken care of gave me peace of mind and I could focus on developing my artistic skills and self-rehabilitating, as I had a responsibility to prove beyond a shadow of doubt that I was worthy of the love and support I received.

What has been the response to your book?

The response to Dragons & Butterflies has been overwhelming, I am constantly stopped in the streets or approached by people on Facebook who congratulate me on surviving prison and everything else I’ve been through. Many people tell me that they couldn’t put the book down, that it was a page-turner of note. I’m humbled by the fact that my book is changing lives.

Do you foresee another book?

I am writing a sequel. However, with everything else going on it’s been difficult to find my rhythm; I’m not in a rush and will allow time to dictate the terms.

Is there a possibility of Dragons & Butterflies being made into a movie?

With its universal appeal I do see a very strong possibility of Dragons & Butterflies being interpreted into a movie. There are two producers presently reviewing the book and another local company has also expressed an interest.

What does being a free man mean to you?

How to define freedom? Are we ever really free? Yes, in our minds we are free, whether in prison or on the outside. In society however we are bound by rules and regulations and can only do as we please within acceptable parameters. For me being a free man is about having opportunities and having no physical restrictions of movement, making choices and following our dreams.

If you could describe your journey in three words, what would it be?

Chaotic, life-changing and profound.

What do you want people to take away from reading your book?

It’s quite simple – yet quite complex. I want them to see that we are the sculptors of our own destiny and dreams do come true.