NPR's Book of the Day
Katie Kitamura's 'Audition' is a puzzle, but she says it's not meant to be solved
Apr 29, 2025
In a Manhattan restaurant, a lunch date reveals complex relationships and ambiguous emotions. Katie Kitamura's novel inspires a captivating discussion about the intricacies of familial connections and the impact of disorienting narrative structures. The conversation delves into themes of identity and duality, highlighting how the protagonist’s fragmented story mirrors her inner turmoil. Kitamura shares insights on her creative process, including her bold decision to cut the book in half, leading to reflections on similar artistic choices in film.
09:07
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Katie Kitamura's novel 'Audition' explores the ambiguity of identity and relationships through a lunch meeting that destabilizes perceptions of familiarity.
- The deliberate structural split in 'Audition' reflects the theme of destabilization, inviting diverse interpretations and enhancing the narrative's psychological intensity.
Deep dives
Exploration of Identity and Relationships
The novel delves into the complexities of identity and relationships, initiated by a seemingly simple lunch meeting in a Manhattan restaurant. During this encounter, the ambiguity surrounding the nature of the relationship between the narrator and a young man raises questions about familiarity and estrangement. This tension between knowing someone and perceiving them as a stranger serves as a central theme, reflecting real-life experiences of parenthood and love. The author was inspired by a headline about a stranger claiming to be someone's son, leading her to explore how singular moments can reshape one’s understanding of familial ties.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
