All Of It Podcast Summary: Yasmin Zaheer Discusses Her Debut Novel "The Coin"

Episode Title: 2025 Gotham Book Prize Finalist Yasmin Zaheer
Host: Alison Stewart
Release Date: February 10, 2025
Podcast: All Of It by WNYC

Introduction to Yasmin Zaheer and "The Coin"

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart welcomes Yasmin Zaheer, the author of her debut novel "The Coin", which has been shortlisted for the 2025 Gotham Book Prize. The conversation delves deep into the novel's themes, Yasmin's unique background, and the intricate character development that defines her work.

From Biomedical Engineering to Fiction Writing

Alison Stewart opens the discussion by highlighting Yasmin's transition from a background in biomedical engineering to becoming a novelist.

Alison Stewart [00:38]: "Yasmin Zaire's debut novel, The Coin, is a finalist for the 2025 Gotham Book Prize..."

Yasmin Zaheer explains the pivotal moment that led her to embrace writing:

Yasmin Zaheer [01:39]: "I think the engineering was the pivot point, actually. I've always wanted to be a writer..."

She recounts her early passion for writing, copying children's books into her notebooks during childhood, and eventually overcoming her fears to pursue writing seriously in her twenties.

The Influence of Journalism on Fiction

Alison inquires about Yasmin’s experience in journalism before she became a novelist.

Alison Stewart [02:06]: "I guess you also worked as a journalist before? Novelist before becoming a novelist, what did journalism teach you about writing fiction?"

Yasmin Zaheer contrasts journalism with fiction, emphasizing the shift from objective truth to subjective storytelling:

Yasmin Zaheer [02:16]: "In journalism, you tell the facts... But in fiction you really say your own truth."

She highlights her preference for exploring personal and subjective truths in her narratives.

Crafting a Nameless Protagonist

A significant creative choice in "The Coin" is the decision to leave the protagonist unnamed. Alison probes into this artistic decision.

Alison Stewart [02:47]: "The narrator whose name we don't know why did you decide to have a nameless protagonist?"

Yasmin Zaheer shares her struggle with finding a fitting name and the subsequent decision to leave the character unnamed to preserve her raw and undefined nature:

Yasmin Zaheer [02:54]: "I couldn’t find anything that sounded right... I was able to keep her more raw, in a way."

Exploring Obsession with Cleanliness

Yasmin reads a poignant passage from "The Coin" that encapsulates the protagonist’s obsession with cleanliness, providing listeners with deep insight into her character's psyche.

Yasmin Zaheer [04:12]: "Canals, inside my nose, around my ankles. Do I disgust you? I don't look dirty, do I?"

This passage illustrates the protagonist’s relentless battle against perceived dirtiness, symbolizing her broader struggle for control.

Cleanliness as a Metaphor for Control

The discussion shifts to the thematic significance of cleanliness in the novel. Alison asks Yasmin to elaborate on what this fixation represents.

Alison Stewart [07:13]: "What does this fixation do for her? This fixation on cleanliness?"

Yasmin Zaheer interprets cleanliness as a futile attempt to gain control over various aspects of life:

Yasmin Zaheer [07:19]: "Cleanliness is one of those things that you could fight your whole life and you will never win."

She explains that the protagonist uses cleanliness to assert control, a battle against the inherent chaos of the world.

The Character of Trenchcoat and Class Commentary

Alison introduces another character, Trenchcoat, prompting a discussion on class and societal perceptions.

Alison Stewart [07:57]: "Another character in the book is Trenchcoat... What does the character see in Trenchcoat, and what does he see in her?"

Yasmin Zaheer describes Trenchcoat as the antithesis of the protagonist, highlighting themes of class performance and societal expectations:

Yasmin Zaheer [08:23]: "He believes that class is a performance, that if you can pretend to be rich, you will eventually become rich..."

This dynamic underscores the novel’s critique of fashion elitism and classism.

Research and Critique of the Fashion Elite

Yasmin delves into her research process, including her experiences visiting Hermes stores to authentically portray the world of high fashion.

Yasmin Zaheer [10:44]: "I joined these schemes in a way."

She critiques the superficiality and absurdity of how status is perceived and manipulated through luxury brands.

Unorthodox Teaching Methods and Impact on Students

The protagonist’s role as a teacher introduces another layer to her complex character. Alison asks Yasmin about her unconventional teaching approaches.

Alison Stewart [11:14]: "Her lessons are unorthodox. Does she care about her job? Is she motivated about the job of being a teacher?"

Yasmin Zaheer explains that while the protagonist deeply cares for her students, her unhinged methods sometimes inadvertently harm them:

Yasmin Zaheer [11:36]: "She teaches them some more revolutionary material... she cares a lot about them, but she cares in a way so much and she's so unhinged that she does end up hurting them."

The Complexity of the Protagonist

In the concluding part of the interview, Alison probes into the moral ambiguity of the protagonist.

Alison Stewart [12:08]: "At the end, it becomes clear she's having some sort of mental crisis. How did you want us to take on feeling about her?"

Yasmin Zaheer acknowledges the protagonist's complexity, intentionally crafting a character who operates in moral gray areas:

Yasmin Zaheer [12:39]: "She's a complex character... I painted someone who is very in the gray zone, who is not exactly black and white."

She aims to challenge readers' perceptions and engage them with a multifaceted character.

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It offers a deep dive into Yasmin Zaheer's "The Coin", exploring themes of control, class, and personal obsession through a richly developed protagonist. Yasmin's insights into her creative process, character development, and thematic intentions provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of her work and its place within contemporary cultural discussions.

Notable Quotes:

• Yasmin Zaheer [02:16]: "In fiction you really say your own truth."
• Yasmin Zaheer [07:19]: "Cleanliness is one of those things that you could fight your whole life and you will never win."
• Yasmin Zaheer [12:39]: "She's a complex character... I painted someone who is very in the gray zone, who is not exactly black and white."