Award-winning author Nell Freudenberger discusses 'THE LIMITS', a novel focusing on deep ocean research, unique family dynamics, and relationships under pressure during the pandemic. She shares her scuba-diving experience for authenticity and reflects on her own parenting journey. The conversation touches on themes of science, step-parenting, and personal transformations.
The novel 'The Limits' explores themes of scientific passion and family conflicts intertwined in a pandemic backdrop.
Through characters like Pia, Kate, and Athena, the novel delves into the complexities of non-traditional mothering relationships.
Deep dives
Nell's Novel 'The Limits' and its Themes
The podcast episode features author Nell discussing her novel 'The Limits.' The novel revolves around a scientist named Natalie who works in French Polynesia and her ties to the deep ocean. Natalie's story delves into themes of change in the natural world and its impact on relationships, shedding light on the unexplored depths of the ocean and the pressures on personal connections.
Character Dynamics and Caregiving Relationships
The conversation with Nell expands to the portrayal of caregiving relationships in the book, not limited to traditional mother-child bonds. The narrative highlights the complexities of relationships like step-motherhood and caregiving roles among teenagers. Through characters like Pia, Kate, and Athena, the novel explores the dynamics and challenges within these non-conventional mothering relationships, emphasizing the love and struggles embedded within them.
Author's Writing Process and Research
The discussion shifts to Nell's writing process and research for the novel. Nell delves into how she weaves her personal experiences, such as scuba diving in Belize for the book's authenticity. The conversation also touches on her attention to detail at the sentence level during the editing process, highlighting the evolution of her writing style over her career. Additionally, Nell shares insights on the inspirations behind her stories and her ongoing exploration of new themes and experiences to enrich her narratives.
Award-winning author Nell Freudenberg joins Zibby to discuss THE LIMITS, a heart-wrenching and humane novel set in French Polynesia and New York City about three characters who undergo massive transformations when the pandemic hits. Nell reveals her fascination with the ocean and coral research (she even scuba-dived in Belize to authentically portray the underwater!) and then discusses her protagonist, a scientist torn between her love of science and her familial obligations. She also delves into the themes of unique family dynamics, step-parenting, and what happens to relationships under pressure while reflecting on some of her own experiences as a parent.