Comedian Helen Lederer discusses Carrie Fisher's wittily honest memoir 'Wishful Drinking.' Ilaria Bernardini explores Alba de Cespedes' feminist novel 'Forbidden Notebook.' Harriett delves into Rebecca F. Kuang's 'Yellowface' addressing cultural appropriation and plagiarism.
Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher combines tragedy and humor in a candid portrayal of her life struggles.
Forbidden Notebook by Alba de Cespedes explores self-expression and empowerment through a woman's subversive journaling.
Deep dives
Carrie Fisher's Authentic and Humorous Writing in Wishful Drinking
Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher stands out for its retro yet engaging narrative style with photographs and witty captions, showcasing a blend of tragedy and humor. Fisher's candid approach to discussing her mental health challenges, family background, and journey in the entertainment industry portrays her as a vulnerable yet resilient figure. Through her self-deprecating humor and raw honesty, Fisher navigates personal struggles with a touch of irony, making her memoir a captivating and relatable read.
Alba de Cespedes' Subversive Exploration of Self-Identity in Forbidden Notebook
Forbidden Notebook by Alba de Cespedes delves into the story of Valeria, a woman challenging societal norms through a subversive act of journaling. The novel portrays the transformative power of self-expression and introspection, as Valeria reclaims her identity and asserts her voice within a patriarchal environment. Through the act of writing, Valeria navigates between social expectations and personal desires, symbolizing a profound journey of self-discovery and empowerment amidst societal constraints.
Rebecca F. Quang's Satirical Reflection on Publishing Dynamics in Yellow Face
Yellow Face by Rebecca F. Quang presents a satirical narrative exposing the complexities of the publishing world, touching on themes of plagiarism, racism, and the influence of social media. The novel unravels a captivating tale of deception and consequences within the competitive realm of literature, exploring issues of representation, authorship, and the evolving landscape of storytelling in the digital age. Quang's dark humor and sharp commentary offer a thought-provoking commentary on the blurred lines between truth, identity, and artistic integrity in a modern-day literary setting.
WISHFUL DRINKING by CARRIE FISHER
FORBIDDEN NOTEBOOK by ALBA DE CESPEDES
YELLOWFACE by REBECCA F KUANG
Harriett's guests today are comedian and writer Helen Lederer known for so many roles including as Catrionia in Absolutely Fabulous. Recently she has published her memoir Not That I'm Bitter and set up the Comedy Writing In Print Prize. She has opted for the hugely witty and knowing memoir Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher detailing her tumultuous life as the child of two Hollywood stars who often couldn't separate fantasy from reality.
Ilaria Bernardini is an Italian novelist and screenwriter. She is currently working on Bernardo Bertolucci’s final script which Ilaria co-wrote with hi -The Echo Chamber. Her choice is the seminal feminist Italian novel Forbidden Notebook by the Italian-Cuban writer Alba de Cespedes about the inner life of an Italian housewife and Mama of the family.
Harriett's choice is Yellowface by Rebecca F Kuang - a cautionary tale for our times of plagiarism, cultural appropriation, social media storms and more.
Producer: Maggie Ayre
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