NPR's Book of the Day
Emma Pattee's 'Tilt' imagines the aftermath of a life-changing earthquake
Apr 9, 2025
Emma Pattee, author of the novel 'Tilt,' shares her gripping narrative about a pregnant woman navigating the chaos of a major earthquake in the Pacific Northwest. She reflects on the millennial experience of disappointment and the challenges of balancing personal aspirations with impending motherhood. Pattee also discusses the importance of scientific accuracy in her storytelling, drawing parallels to classic epics, and explores how natural disasters force deep self-discovery and reflection in the characters’ lives.
08:44
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Quick takeaways
- Annie's journey through the chaos of the earthquake illustrates how crises can catalyze personal transformation and introspection.
- The narrative explores millennial disappointment and the collective disillusionment that prompts individuals to reassess their ambitions and relationships.
Deep dives
The Impact of External Forces on Personal Change
The narrative revolves around a protagonist named Annie, who is navigating the complexities of impending motherhood against the backdrop of a life-altering earthquake. The central theme reflects on how significant disasters can illuminate the limitations of one's control over life, prompting introspection and the desire to initiate personal change. Annie's experiences exemplify a broader human condition where external circumstances compel individuals to reassess their lives, ambitions, and relationships. This exploration suggests that moments of crisis can serve as catalysts for transformation, even in the absence of physical harm.
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