FT News Briefing FT Weekend: The stories we tell, with Elif Shafak
Sep 18, 2021
Elif Shafak, a prominent Turkish-British novelist and advocate for freedom of speech, discusses her experiences writing in restrictive environments. She shares insights about her latest work, The Island of Missing Trees, exploring themes of identity and cultural heritage. The conversation touches on the impact of childhood memories on personal narratives and the importance of nuanced storytelling in addressing historical trauma. Shafak emphasizes the power of stories to foster understanding and connection in a divided world.
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Episode notes
Home in New York
- Lilah Raptopoulos describes a specific stretch of the F train in Brooklyn that evokes a sense of home.
- The view of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty creates a feeling of belonging.
Armenian Identity
- Lilah Raptopoulos shares her experience of visiting Armenia, exploring her Armenian heritage and complex identity.
- She discusses the impact of the Armenian genocide and the search for lost family stories.
Words Matter
- Elif Shafak emphasizes the power of words and stories, especially in societies lacking free speech.
- She discusses the importance of curiosity and asking difficult questions, even about taboo subjects.
