Big Ideas My Sister and Other Lovers — Esther Freud with Natasha Mitchell at Byron Writers Festival
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Aug 27, 2025 Esther Freud, a renowned novelist and playwright, discusses her compelling sequel, My Sister and Other Lovers. She explores the complexities of sibling relationships, reflecting on her own family dynamics, including her lineage of influential figures like Sigmund Freud and Lucian Freud. The conversation also tackles the journey of childhood literacy shaped by her bohemian upbringing and the emotional intricacies of sisterhood. Esther’s storytelling reveals how love and trauma intertwine, offering insights into how family ties can both bind and complicate.
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Sequel Born From Uneasy Short Stories
- Esther Freud turned an unfinished short-story project into a novel about sisters after spotting recurring sibling figures in her drafts.
- Her sister Bella encouraged her to own the book as a sequel and be brave with its truths.
Framing Shapes Childhood Meaning
- Esther Freud says memory and language let us choose to frame a chaotic childhood as adventure or neglect.
- She wrote Hideous Kinky through a child's present viewpoint while implying underlying fear and loneliness.
Silence Holds Family Triangles Together
- The book explores triangular family dynamics where silence and secrets lock people into fixed roles.
- Lucy's struggle is whether she will confront the secret-holder and refuse to carry the burden alone.
