Podcast Summary: All Of It – Dinaw Mengestu's "Someone Like Us"

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC, author Dinaw Mengestu delves into his latest novel, Someone Like Us. Released on August 8, 2025, the episode offers an in-depth conversation about the novel's themes, character development, narrative structure, and its place within Mengestu's broader body of work. Someone Like Us explores grief, the American dream, and the complexities of understanding another person through the lens of an Ethiopian American journalist grappling with his father's mysterious death.

Character Naming and Personal Connections

Mengestu begins by discussing the significance of names within his novel. He explains the origin of the nickname "Mamouche" and its cultural implications.

• Dinaw Mengestu (02:11): "You know, I realized once this book was done that I'd been kind of secretly naming my characters after myself for quite a while... some of it was, you know, paying a kind of respect and homage to my family and to, like, the legacy and inheritance that I take from them."

This personal connection underscores the depth and authenticity he brings to his characters, reflecting his own experiences and familial ties.

Relationship Between Mamouche and Samuel

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the relationship between the protagonist, Mamouche, and his father figure, Samuel. Mengestu explores the complexities of their bond, marked by love, detachment, and unspoken truths.

• Dinaw Mengestu (03:29): "There's a certain distance and detachment and yet, at the same time, a lot of love... he has to work really hard to make you sort of believe in our relationship."

This dynamic illustrates the challenges of understanding and connecting across different life experiences and cultural backgrounds.

Cultural Context and Parenting

Mengestu touches on the cultural barriers that shape the interactions between Mamouche, his mother, and Samuel. The mother's reluctance to allow Samuel close to Mamouche stems from her awareness of Samuel's troubled past and the potential impact on her son.

• Dinaw Mengestu (04:40): "She knows he carries a lot of sort of, like, troubled memories and a legacy with him... she thinks she can protect him by making sure they don't spend too much time."

This protective instinct highlights the generational and cultural tensions within immigrant families.

Novel's Structure and Narrative Techniques

The conversation shifts to the novel's intricate narrative structure, characterized by flashbacks and non-linear timelines. Mengestu explains his intention to mirror the unpredictable nature of memory and personal identity.

• Dinaw Mengestu (05:55): "The present momentum is constantly interrupted by the past... to reflect the expansiveness and the kind of, like, intricacy of our lives."

This structure emphasizes how past experiences continuously influence and shape the present.

Incorporation of Visuals in the Book

Mengestu discusses the inclusion of photographs in Someone Like Us, attributing this choice to his wife's influence as a photographer. These images serve as a complementary narrative device, offering multiple interpretations and enriching the storytelling.

• Dinaw Mengestu (13:15): "It gave me a chance to have another narrative presence in the novel that wasn't my own... they tell their own story inside of the novel."

The visuals enhance the reader's engagement by providing a layered understanding of the characters and their environments.

Marriage Dynamics in the Novel

The novel portrays Mamouche's deteriorating marriage, reflecting his internal struggles and inability to fully comprehend his own emotions.

• Dinaw Mengestu (14:42): "The marriage is in a rapid state of decline, but he doesn't fully understand why and his own kind of accountability inside of that."

His wife's efforts to reconnect with him through photography illustrate the complexities of love and self-awareness within a strained relationship.

Thematic Elements: Place, Identity, and Suspense

Mengestu delves into the themes of identity and place, particularly Samuel's obsession with being "in the wrong place." This motif underscores the precariousness of immigrant life and the constant negotiation of belonging.

• Dinaw Mengestu (17:27): "He [Samuel] has a community that at times feels danger and risk, and how can he tend to them?"

The novel's suspenseful pacing, reminiscent of a detective story, keeps readers engaged as Mamouche uncovers layers of his father's past.

Comparison with Mengestu's Earlier Works

The author reflects on how Someone Like Us both extends and critiques his previous novels. He highlights the emergence of a character from his first book, Sephus Stephanos, within this new narrative, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories.

• Dinaw Mengestu (27:09): "The book in some ways is, in some deliberate ways, it's a kind of like, both an extension of and a critique of some of my earlier works."

This intertextuality deepens the reader's experience by connecting themes and characters across his literary universe.

Audience Q&A

The episode includes a segment where Mengestu addresses audience questions, providing further insight into his creative process and the novel's symbolism.

1. Truth and Deception:

   • Question: In the book, characters often struggle with telling the truth. Is this reflective of the human condition?
   • Dinaw Mengestu (24:10): "We all have the capacity for like, different kinds of deception and self-deception... characters have the capacity to not have to do that, to be able to say, like, maybe I don't tell you the totality of who I am."

2. Taxi Company and Underground Railroad Symbolism:

   • Question: Does Samuel's cross-country taxi company mirror the Underground Railroad, and what does it signify for Mamouche's journey?
   • Dinaw Mengestu (25:27): "The cab company... echoes the Underground Railroad... it's about carrying Mamush through that, it's like being carried along by this sort of fantasy of Samuel and being kind of brought to safety."

These discussions illuminate the novel's deeper layers, highlighting themes of safety, identity, and the power of storytelling.

Conclusion

Dinaw Mengestu's Someone Like Us is a richly woven narrative that examines the intricate dynamics of family, identity, and cultural legacy. Through his conversation with Alison Stewart, Mengestu reveals the thoughtful craftsmanship behind his storytelling, from character naming to narrative structure and thematic symbolism. The episode not only provides a comprehensive overview of the novel but also offers listeners a deeper appreciation of Mengestu's exploration of the human condition within the immigrant experience.