In 'The Stories We Cannot Tell,' difficult pregnancies unite two very different women
Sep 11, 2024
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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.
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.
Navigating Reproductive Rights in a Changing Landscape
The novel addresses the evolving discourse surrounding reproductive rights in the wake of significant political changes, particularly the overturning of Roe v. Wade. It highlights how characters grapple with their reproductive choices against varying societal and legal backdrops, revealing the nuanced conflict between personal beliefs and external pressures. The author subtly references the current political climate through the character's experiences, showcasing the weight of making decisions in a world where rights can be revoked. This context underlines that discussions about reproduction inevitably intersect with political considerations, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in these deeply personal matters.
Over 25 years ago, author Leslie Rasmussen connected with a stranger over challenges with their fertility. That friendship inspired her 2023 novel, The Stories We Cannot Tell, which follows two very different women who contend with excruciating decisions around their pregnancies. In today's episode, Rasmussen talks with NPR's Leila Fadel about her years-long fertility struggle, the difficulty of discussing the decision to terminate a pregnancy, and the political context surrounding her novel following the fall of Roe v. Wade.
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