Join host Michelle Glogovac on Read The Damn Book as she sits down with award-winning author Winnie M. Li to discuss her powerful new novel, What We Left Unsaid. In this thought-provoking conversation, Michelle and Winnie explore family dynamics, immigration stories, and the complexities of sibling relationships that shape identity.
Winnie opens up about the personal experiences and cross-country research on Route 66 that inspired her storytelling. They dive into the challenges of motherhood, navigating cultural expectations, and the often-overlooked chapters of American history. This episode is perfect for readers who love multi-generational family dramas, immigrant narratives, and literary fiction that unpacks belonging and identity.
What We're Talking About...
- Winnie's novel addresses powerful themes like immigration and family dynamics.
- The story is centered around a road trip that reveals hidden family secrets.
- Sibling relationships are complex and often fraught with misunderstandings.
- The past significantly influences the characters' present lives.
- Winnie's personal experiences shaped her writing and research for the novel.
- The book explores the immigrant experience in America.
- Motherhood brings its own set of anxieties and expectations.
- Cultural identity plays a crucial role in the characters' lives.
- Historical context is essential to understanding the characters' journeys.
- The novel encourages readers to reflect on their own family dynamics and histories.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Author Background
01:00 Themes of Family and Immigration
03:50 Sibling Dynamics and Relationships
06:57 Exploring the Past: The 1991 Road Trip
10:51 Researching Route 66 and Personal Experiences
18:06 Driving and Personal Growth
21:59 Motherhood and Family Expectations
25:49 Cultural Identity and Guilt
30:07 Historical Context and American Identity
Links Mentioned
What We Left Unsaid by Winnie M Li
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/What-We-Left-Unsaid/Winnie-M-Li/9781982190880
What We Left Unsaid Kirkus Review
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/winnie-m-li/what-we-left-unsaid/
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