Kiran Desai

Kiran Desai, the celebrated Booker Prize–winning novelist, discusses her long-awaited new novel, The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, after nearly two decades. She reflects on the intense pressure of literary prizes and the evolving landscape of South Asian writing. Desai delves into how migration and loneliness shape her characters and the weight of history in storytelling. She also examines the impact of political issues like Hindu nationalism on her work and the role of literature in fostering empathy, particularly in a culturally rich but complex India.

David Dimbleby, a seasoned broadcaster, discusses his latest examination of the British monarchy, exploring themes of power, wealth, and public perception. He delves into its influence on politics, the monarchy's finances, and its relevance today. Kiran Desai, a Booker Prize-winning novelist, shares insights on her new work that tackles loneliness and diaspora, reflecting on race dynamics and the pressures of representing culture in literature. Minnesota State Senator Zainab Mohamed speaks candidly about ICE actions affecting her Somali community, highlighting resilience amidst rising anti-immigrant rhetoric.

Join Susan Choi, an award-winning novelist, as she explores cross-cultural family dynamics and the Zainichi Korean community in Flashlight. Kiran Desai, a former Booker Prize winner, discusses loneliness and globalization in her long-gestating novel, The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny. David Szalay shares insights on capturing realism and physicality in Flesh, while Ben Markovits reveals how his own lymphoma diagnosis influenced the road-trip narrative of The Rest of Our Lives. A deep dive into themes of identity, illness, and the human experience awaits!