All Of It Podcast Summary: Preview of 'The Dream Hotel' by Laila Lalami

Episode: Get Lit Preview: 'The Dream Hotel' by Laila Lalami
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Laila Lalami
Release Date: April 10, 2025
Air Time: Weekdays, 12:00 - 2:00 PM on WNYC

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart previews the upcoming book club discussion featuring Pulitzer Prize finalist Laila Lalami and her latest novel, "The Dream Hotel." Scheduled for May 6th at 6 PM at the New York Public Library (NYPL), the conversation promises deep insights into Lalami's exploration of surveillance, privacy, and the human condition in a technologically advanced society.

About "The Dream Hotel"

"The Dream Hotel" is Laila Lalami's sixth novel, set in a near-future society where individuals' thoughts and dreams carry as much weight as their actions. The story follows Sara Hussain, a museum archivist at the Getty Museum, who becomes entangled in a bureaucratic nightmare upon her return from a work trip in London.

Alison Stewart introduces the narrative arc:

"The book follows Sara Hussain, a museum archivist, on her way back from a work trip in London. At the airport, she's pulled into a room by authorities. She's a little bothered because she's been away from her husband and their twins. He's supposed to pick her up from the airport like right now. Imagine what happens when the authorities inform her that she is being detained because she is flagged for possibly having murderous thoughts about her husband." (00:17)

Sara is detained based on an algorithm that predicts her likelihood of committing a violent crime, blurring the lines between preemptive justice and invasion of privacy.

Inspiration Behind the Novel

Lalami shares the genesis of her novel, stemming from a personal experience with intrusive data collection:

"This happened in 2014. I was struggling to get out of bed and I reached for my phone first thing to look at the time and I saw a Google notification..." (01:30)

She recounts being unnerved by a Google alert that eerily predicted her arrival at a yoga studio, highlighting the pervasive and often invisible nature of data surveillance:

"The curtain of surveillance... that moment was kind of just sort of a wake-up call. It was very disturbing." (02:24)

This incident spurred her contemplation of a society where even dreams could be monitored, leading to the conceptual foundation of "The Dream Hotel."

Themes of Surveillance and Privacy

The dialogue delves deep into the themes of surveillance, privacy, and technological overreach. Lalami emphasizes the unholy alliance between big tech companies and the government, which poses threats not only to democratic governance but also to individual identities:

"The relationship between big tech companies and the government is an unholy alliance. And it really threatens everything... our sense of selves, who we are." (11:08)

She discusses how constant surveillance modifies human behavior, leading to conformity born out of fear of attracting attention from monitoring entities.

Excerpt Reading and Analysis

Lalami shares a poignant excerpt from "The Dream Hotel," providing listeners with a glimpse into Sara's experiences and the societal impact of surveillance:

"Another time, when they were returning from their yearly trip to Morocco, they were held just long enough at Dalys International to miss their cross-country flight home, then released without explanation..." (04:46)

This passage illustrates the arbitrary and anxiety-inducing nature of such surveillance, affecting families and personal milestones.

Character Development and Societal Reflection

Sara Hussain's character embodies the struggle between personal freedom and systemic control. Her journey in the retention center reveals the building of a separate community within the facility, mirroring broader societal structures:

"She holds herself a little bit apart from them. And as the novel opens, we see that it's been some time now. And so she has developed friendships..." (09:05)

This dynamic explores themes of isolation, community, and resistance within oppressive systems.

Speculative Fiction as a Canvas

Choosing a near-future setting allows Lalami to speculatively examine contemporary issues through her narrative. Alison Stewart notes the departure from Lalami's historical and contemporary works, highlighting the novel's relevance to current technological anxieties:

"I felt that a novel, a speculative novel, would be just the perfect canvas for exploring it." (12:14)

Easter Eggs and Reader Engagement

When asked about hidden elements or "Easter eggs" within the book, Lalami hints at future revelations during their in-person meeting, encouraging listeners to engage directly at the book club event.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with an invitation to listeners to join the upcoming discussion at NYPL, emphasizing the collaborative and community-driven spirit of All Of It. Lalami's "The Dream Hotel" serves as a thought-provoking exploration of surveillance's impact on personal and societal levels, making it a compelling subject for cultural discourse.

Notable Quotes:

• "The curtain of surveillance... that moment was kind of just sort of a wake-up call. It was very disturbing." — Laila Lalami (02:24)

• "The relationship between big tech companies and the government is an unholy alliance. And it really threatens everything... our sense of selves, who we are." — Laila Lalami (11:08)

• "What does it mean to be human in the 21st century." — Laila Lalami (12:14)

Join the Conversation:

Don’t miss the full discussion with Laila Lalami on May 6th at 6 PM at the New York Public Library. For more information and to participate, visit wnyc.org/getlit.

This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate the key elements discussed in the podcast episode.