NPR's Book of the Day cover image

NPR's Book of the Day

In 'The Stories We Cannot Tell,' difficult pregnancies unite two very different women

Sep 11, 2024
Leslie Rasmussen, an author whose novel reflects her own fertility struggles, joins NPR's Leila Fadel, a journalist known for tackling societal issues. They explore the deep emotional impact of difficult pregnancies and the stigma surrounding reproductive choices. Rasmussen shares her personal story and the story of her fictional characters, revealing how societal pressures and political changes, especially post-Roe v. Wade, shape women's decisions. This poignant discussion emphasizes the importance of compassion and dialogue around these sensitive topics.
07:27

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Leslie Rasmussen's personal experiences with fertility struggles inform her novel's portrayal of the emotional turmoil of pregnancy decisions.
  • The narrative intertwines personal reproductive challenges with the political landscape, highlighting the impact of Roe v. Wade's reversal on women's choices.

Deep dives

Influence of Personal Experience on Storytelling

The author draws from her personal journey through pregnancy challenges and miscarriages to create a narrative that explores the complexities of parental decisions. With a background of experiencing emotional turmoil during attempts to conceive, the author conveys themes of shame and isolation associated with reproductive issues. Through the characters Rachel and Katie, who face different circumstances regarding pregnancy, the story emphasizes the often silent struggles women endure. This personal connection to the narrative adds depth and authenticity to the novel, allowing readers to relate to the emotional stakes involved in decisions surrounding pregnancy.

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