Commonplace Podcast Episode 37: Sheila Heti and Sarah Manguso
30 snips
Sep 19, 2017 
In this engaging conversation, guests Sarah Manguso, a sharp poet and memoirist known for her insightful essays, and Sheila Heti, a Canadian novelist who explores the intricacies of womanhood, dive into the complexities of motherhood. They share candid reflections on the emotional struggles tied to parenting and identity, particularly the societal pressures surrounding motherhood and personal choices. Their discussion also touches on the challenges of literary creation and the vulnerability of sharing unfinished work, revealing how these experiences define their art and friendships.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Yaddo Friendship Origins
- Sarah Manguso discovered deep friendships at Yaddo in 2006 amid major life changes.
- Their connection began with vivid, meaningful conversations influencing their personal and writing lives.
Maternal Ambivalence Divides Women
- The gap between mothers and non-mothers creates a gulf of empathy between women writers.
- Their early conversation revealed honest maternal ambivalence that remains provocative years later.
Motherhood as a Cultural Form
- The capacity to bear children is more than anatomy; it involves culture, intellect, and form.
- Motherhood reshapes womanhood and thinking about it can reveal new perspectives on self and time.
