DeepSummary
The episode features an interview with fantasy author Leigh Bardugo, known for her young adult 'Shadow and Bone' series and her new novel 'The Familiar,' set in 16th century Spain. Bardugo discusses her writing process, the themes she explores in her books, and her inspiration for creating magical worlds infused with historical elements.
Bardugo's new book 'The Familiar' centers around a young woman named Lucia, who has the ability to perform small miracles but must hide her Jewish identity in Catholic Spain during the Inquisition. The author delves into the concept of magic versus miracles and the exploitation of power, drawing parallels with her adult series set at Yale University.
Bardugo also reflects on her personal experiences growing up as an outsider, finding solace in writing and reading fantasy books. She touches on her struggles with a degenerative bone disease and the importance of representation in her works.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Leigh Bardugo's fantasy novels use magic as a metaphor for power and explore themes of identity, oppression, and societal hierarchies.
- Her new novel 'The Familiar' is set in 16th century Spain and follows a young woman with magical abilities who must hide her Jewish identity during the Inquisition.
- Bardugo draws inspiration from her own experiences feeling like an outsider and finding solace in reading and writing fantasy as a child.
- She believes fiction should sometimes challenge and disturb readers, rather than always providing comfort and escapism.
- Bardugo's work examines the exploitation of power and the darker aspects of human nature, while also offering hope and opportunities for her characters to find their strength.
- Her writing process often begins with archetypes or familiar tropes that evolve into more complex and nuanced characters and narratives.
- Representation and diversity are important considerations in Bardugo's work, as she seeks to create worlds and characters that resonate with a wide range of readers.
- Despite facing personal challenges with a degenerative bone disease, Bardugo remains dedicated to her craft and continues to explore new creative avenues.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I needed to know there were worlds where being clever and smart and prepared and giving a damn were more important than being cheerful or cute or popular, because I was none of those things.“ by Leigh Bardugo
- “But I will say that I think that there are kinds of experiences that should not be comfortable to read about. And I think that we, and I don't know if this is a function of the pandemic where we were all saying, look, we want comfort, and we deserve comfort because we're all going through this. But I think there's sometimes an impulse on us, or at least in me, to want everything to kind of feel like a warm bath and a slice of cake. And I think that's fine some of the time.“ by Leigh Bardugo
- “While there can be elements of catharsis in writing about things that trouble us or that we're trying to grapple with, I don't think that that's really the role of fiction for the author.“ by Leigh Bardugo
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Episode Information
Fresh Air
NPR
4/30/24
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