Join beloved author Elif Shafak, known for her inclusive storytelling and exploration of universal themes, as she shares insights on the power of literature. She discusses the cyclical nature of storytelling and its ability to connect humanity through shared experiences. Elif delves into the nuances of identity, belonging, and exile, particularly from a multicultural perspective. Her reflections illuminate the importance of both presence and absence in narratives, revealing how language shapes our stories and identities.
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insights INSIGHT
Transcendental Literature
Elif Shafak views literature as transcendental and exploratory, rather than autobiographical.
She's drawn to diverse perspectives and the ability of stories to reveal different possibilities.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Early Writing
Shafak began writing fiction as a child to escape the boredom of her life.
Books exposed her to different worlds and possibilities beyond her conservative upbringing.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Read Widely
Embrace curiosity and read widely across various disciplines.
Don't limit yourself to specific genres; explore everything that interests you.
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Published in 1859, 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens is a historical novel that contrasts the lives in London and Paris during the late 18th century. The story revolves around characters such as Charles Darnay, Sydney Carton, and Lucie Manette, each dealing with love, sacrifice, and the profound societal changes brought about by the French Revolution. The novel critiques both the conditions leading up to the Revolution and the Revolution itself, highlighting themes of resurrection, sacrifice, and the potential for positive change. Dickens's vivid portrayal of the social disparities and political unrest of the era, along with his iconic opening lines, 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,' make the novel a compelling exploration of human resilience and societal issues[3][4][5].
The Epic of Gilgamesh
Andrew George
Anonymous
The Epic of Gilgamesh tells the story of Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, who is two-thirds god and one-third human. The gods create Enkidu, a wild man, to counterbalance Gilgamesh's oppressive rule. Enkidu and Gilgamesh become friends after a trial of strength and embark on several adventures, including the slaying of the monster Humbaba and the killing of the Bull of Heaven. Following Enkidu's death, Gilgamesh sets out on a perilous journey to find Utnapishtim, the survivor of the Babylonian Flood, in search of the secret of eternal life. Despite his efforts, Gilgamesh learns that death is inevitable and returns to Uruk, reconciled to his mortality and appreciative of the enduring achievements of humanity[1][3][5].
There Are Rivers in the Sky
Elif Shafak
Today's guest is the beloved author, Elif Shafak, whose latest title was a 2024 Summer Reading Guide pick.
Elif's works are so particular and set very much in a specific time and place, yet they also feel so inclusive. Elif's stories explore universal themes like home and belonging, exile and displacement. She also leverages her Turkish heritage and accesses storytelling traditions that are sometimes unfamiliar to Western readers.
Elif is one of Anne's favorite writers working right now, in large part because she attempts things no other writer would think of. Today, they talk about that as well as the mythologies and metaphors that make her books so engrossing.
If today's episode delivered the type of bookish conversation you'd love more of, come check out our Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club. In this vibrant community space, we enjoy live author talks, classes, and special events like the upcoming Our Team's Best Books of the Year event. Sign up or purchase a gift membership for your favorite reader at modernmrsdarcy.com/club.
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