Geraldine Brooks On the Art of Grieving and Spanning the Political Divide
Mar 6, 2025
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Geraldine Brooks, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and author of "March" and "Horse," discusses her grief following the sudden death of her husband, Tony Horwitz. She reflects on mourning in a society that shies away from sadness and shares how writing served as a therapeutic outlet. The conversation also touches on Tony's vision of bridging political divides during tumultuous times, now more relevant than ever. Additionally, Brooks offers her thoughts on her contribution to a new book about public service, highlighting the importance of community and connection.
Geraldine Brooks reflects on the profound bond with her late husband Tony Horwitz, illustrating their shared passions and journalistic journey together.
Brooks candidly discusses her personal journey of grieving Tony's sudden death and the importance of taking time to process that loss.
The podcast critiques societal expectations regarding mourning, advocating for a compassionate approach that acknowledges the complexities of grief.
Deep dives
Cherishing Memories of a Life Together
Geraldine Brooks reflects on her life with her late husband, Tony Horwitz, portraying their strong bond and shared experiences from their early days as reporters. The couple navigated a career in journalism together, where they often covered conflicts from opposite sides, growing closer through their shared passions and adventures. Brooks fondly recalls moments at their home in Virginia, highlighting Tony's vibrant spirit and joy, which captivated those around him. The memoir 'Memorial Days' serves as a beautiful tribute to Tony, documenting their life together and the love that defined their relationship.
The Grief Journey and Finding Solitude
Brooks shares her deeply personal journey of grieving Tony's sudden death, which shattered her sense of normalcy. Initially overwhelmed by daily responsibilities, she realized that wearing a mask of normalcy was exhausting, leading her to take time away to process her loss. She chose Flinders Island in Tasmania as a sanctuary, a place where nature provided her solace and allowed her to reflect on her relationship with Tony. Through solitude, she found clarity and a way to remember and honor him, transforming her grief into a narrative that would help others.
The Struggle with Bureaucracy After Loss
The memoir addresses the difficulties faced after a loved one's sudden passing, particularly the bureaucratic challenges that compound grief. Brooks recounts the shocking experience of receiving the news of Tony's death through a brief phone call, illustrating how impersonal and inadequate the process can be during such a devastating moment. She critiques the lack of support mechanisms for the bereaved, highlighting the need for compassion and understanding in such situations. This reflection underscores the often-overlooked emotional complexities involved in dealing with loss and the societal failures that exacerbate them.
Tony Horwitz's Legacy and Insights
Tony Horwitz's significant contributions to literature and journalism are explored, particularly his foresight in observing societal divides in America. His works, including 'Spying on the South' and 'Confederates in the Attic,' serve as a lens through which to understand contemporary issues and cultural tensions that persist today. Brooks emphasizes his ability to connect with diverse perspectives and to uncover the underlying motivations and emotions of individuals he met during his travels and reporting. The podcast delves into how Tony's insights feel especially relevant in today's polarized political climate.
Navigating Grief in Modern Society
Brooks discusses the cultural aversion to mourning and the challenges of processing grief in a busy, modern world. She highlights how society often pressures individuals to move on quickly from loss, neglecting the importance of taking the time to truly mourn. Reflecting on various cultural practices related to grief, she notes that many traditions allow extended periods of mourning, contrasting sharply with the Western expectation to maintain normalcy. Through her own experiences and observations, Brooks calls for a more compassionate approach to grief, where sadness can coexist with the acknowledgment of joy and shared memories.
On May 27, 2019, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, best-selling author (and Kara’s friend) Tony Horwitz was on book tour for his latest work, Spying on the South: An Odyssey Across the American Divide, when he died suddenly. He left behind two sons and his wife, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Geraldine Brooks, whose books include March and Horse.
Dealing with Tony’s death, taking time to grieve his passing and remembering their life together are at the center of Brooks’ latest memoir, Memorial Days. Brooks and Kara reminisce about Tony’s life, reflect on the challenge of grieving in a culture that is “averse to sad,” and ponder how Tony would have continued his “barstool democracy” — an attempt to span the political divide already shaking the nation — under Trump 2.0. They also discuss her latest project, a chapter in Who Is Government?: The Untold Story of Public Service, edited by acclaimed author Michael Lewis, which will be released on March 18th.
This interview was recorded live at Sixth & I, a center for arts, entertainment, ideas, and Jewish life in Washington, D.C., and hosted in partnership with Politics and Prose Bookstore,
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