NPR's Book of the Day cover image

NPR's Book of the Day

With 'Rabbit Moon,' Jennifer Haigh chooses Shanghai as the backdrop to family tragedy

May 1, 2025
10:24

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The tragic hit-and-run accident in Shanghai serves as a catalyst for revealing and reshaping the complex dynamics within a fractured family.
  • The novel explores themes of identity and belonging, particularly through Grace's journey of understanding her adoption and biological roots.

Deep dives

Family Dynamics and Trauma

The novel explores the profound impact of a tragic accident on a fractured family. Lindsay, an American college-age woman, is involved in a car accident in Shanghai, triggering her divorced parents to hurriedly fly to her side. The narrative delves into how this event affects not only Lindsay but also her younger sister and separated parents, revealing the complexities of their relationships and emotional struggles. The story underscores the idea that the accident marks a pivotal moment for the family, altering their dynamics forever.

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