Happy Place Book Club Meets: Ambitious women and generational trauma, with Emily Henry
Jun 6, 2025
Emily Henry, author of Great Big Beautiful Life and acclaimed fiction writer, discusses the impact of generational trauma on ambition and self-discovery. She shares insights on whether our drive truly comes from within or is influenced by others' expectations. The conversation shines a light on how reading fiction can help us reflect on our own values and moral decisions. Additionally, Emily explores the struggles of authorship, including self-doubt and the importance of character development shaped by family dynamics.
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Writing Doubt Is Universal
- Emily Henry and Fearne Cotton share the struggle of hating a book mid-edit and needing writing friends for encouragement.
- This doubt is a recurring part of their writing process, but often fades with distance.
Generational Trauma Shapes Ambition
- Emily Henry explores how generational trauma and family legacy shape personal ambition and self-understanding.
- She ties this to the story of a reclusive heiress and a daughter struggling with her mother's expectations.
Ambition Driven by External Validation
- External validation often drives ambition more than personal fulfilment.
- Emily Henry discusses the struggle of proving oneself to others who may never fully accept you.
