How To Fail With Elizabeth Day
Elif Shafak - ‘There’s only one thing that scares me - and that’s indifference’
Jul 31, 2024
Elif Shafak, a celebrated Turkish-British author, discusses her passion for storytelling and the power it holds in social justice. She emphasizes the importance of 'otherness' and how it shapes identity. Shafak reflects on personal family dynamics, particularly the lasting effects of her father's absence. The conversation explores language nuances between Turkish and English, the immigrant experience, and why indifference is her greatest fear. Her new novel, *There are Rivers in the Sky*, also makes an appearance, highlighting the vital role of narratives in bridging divides.
46:07
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Elif Shafak emphasizes how storytelling intertwines personal experiences with political themes, revealing the impact of power and inequality on narratives.
- Through fiction, Shafak highlights the transformative potential of literature to foster empathy and understanding among diverse identities and perspectives.
Deep dives
The Political Nature of Storytelling
Storytelling is inherently political, especially for authors from countries with complex social dynamics. Writing about personal experiences, gender, and identity often intersects with broader political issues of power and inequality. This means that even seemingly apolitical topics can reflect political realities when injustice exists. Acknowledging this connection allows authors to engage with difficult questions in their narratives, inviting readers to explore various perspectives and interpretations.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
