NPR's Book of the Day In Ann Patchett's latest, a mother tells her daughters about a seminal summer
Jul 14, 2025
Ann Patchett shares insights on her latest novel, where the protagonist chooses motherhood over fame. The conversation highlights the beauty of family dynamics, particularly a mother's bond with her daughters during a pivotal summer. Themes of reconnection amid adversity, especially during the pandemic, are explored, revealing unexpected joys and challenges. Secrets and community support in literature also take center stage, emphasizing how personal experiences shape narratives and the need to uplift new voices in the literary world.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Patchett's Choice on Motherhood
- Ann Patchett decided not to have children because she didn't have enough energy for both writing and motherhood.
- She made a clear choice between dedicating energy to her writing and to having children.
Pandemic Unlocks Family Bonds
- The pandemic's forced family reunions revealed new appreciation for loved ones' presence.
- Ann Patchett imagines the pandemic summer bringing unexpected joy to mother-daughter relationships.
Naming of Daughters in Tom Lake
- The fictional daughters in Tom Lake share names with real daughters of Patchett's editor: Emily, Maisie, and Nell.
- These names were chosen to honor theatrical and circus artists Patchett admires.
