Fresh Air
Taffy Brodesser-Akner Writes Real People — Not Likable Ones
Jul 8, 2024
Taffy Brodesser-Akner, acclaimed author and writer for the New York Times, dives into her new novel, Long Island Compromise, which tackles the long-lasting effects of a kidnapping on a wealthy family's children. She candidly discusses the intricate ties between wealth and identity, particularly in Jewish American culture. Taffy shares her unique approach to writing, from celebrity interviews to exploring emotional vulnerabilities. Her insights highlight the complexities of humanizing often-unlikable characters in literature.
45:54
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Quick takeaways
- The novel highlights the importance of humanizing distant figures in writing.
- Generational trauma impacts family dynamics, exploring themes of wealth and survival.
Deep dives
The Impact of Family Trauma
The novel explores the aftermath of a wealthy businessman's kidnapping on his family. 40 years later, the children struggle with anxiety, sex addiction, and depression, hinting at their unresolved trauma. The dwindling family fortune highlights their internal struggles as they avoid facing their past. Taffy Brodesser-Ackner delves into the complex effects of generational trauma on family dynamics.
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