The New Yorker: Fiction
Lucinda Rosenfeld Reads Annie Ernaux
Oct 1, 2023
Lucinda Rosenfeld, author of five novels, joins Deborah Treisman to discuss 'Returns' by Annie Ernaux. They explore the difference between auto-fiction and memoir, the mother-daughter relationship portrayed in the story, and the themes of returning and loneliness. The chapter also highlights Annie Ernaux's ability to capture ethnological details.
45:31
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Quick takeaways
- The story explores the intense dynamic between a mother and daughter, showcasing themes of guilt, longing, and resentment.
- The passage of time and the decline of relationships are prominent themes in the story, explored through the mother's aging and the daughter's abandonment of her hometown.
Deep dives
The Complex Mother-Daughter Relationship
The story explores the intense and complicated dynamic between a mother and daughter. The daughter visits her mother in their hometown, and their interactions reveal a mixture of guilt, longing, and resentment. The mother is desperate for her daughter's presence, while the daughter feels suffocated by the claustrophobic relationship. The story delves into the power dynamics, social class, and the passage of time that shape their interactions.
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