May 2006 | New York City

Discussed: Replicating what is well within the realm of human experience; slightly unhinged father figures; putting pressure on characters and how they react; the powerful imprint of growing up; returning to the childhood house in Newark; incorporating the larger narratives of history into novels about family, grief and humor; and rereading Conrad.

Also included: readings from Everyman, Patrimony: A True Story, and Operation Shylock: A Confession.

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• Entire conversation (39:29)