Podcast Summary: All Of It – "Parks and Rec' Writer Aisha Muharrar Turns to Fiction With 'Loved One'"
Release Date: August 13, 2025
Host: Alison Stewart
Introduction
In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart welcomes Aisha Muharrar, a celebrated TV writer known for her work on Parks and Recreation and Hacks. Muharrar discusses her debut novel, "Loved One," marking her transition from television to fiction writing. The conversation delves into the novel's intricate exploration of grief, relationships, and personal growth.
Overview of "Loved One"
"Loved One" is a poignant love story that commences with the sudden death of Gabe, a beloved musician. The protagonist, Julia, a 30-something LA transplant and law school dropout who has successfully pivoted to running her own jewelry business, grapples with Gabe's unexpected passing. The novel navigates Julia's journey through grief as she strives to recover Gabe's belongings and make sense of their complex relationship.
Alison Stewart introduces the book, highlighting its emotional depth:
"The novel is called Loved One. Author Aisha Muharrar is here now..."
(00:09)
Character Development: Julia and Gabe
Aisha Muharrar delves into the characters' backstories, emphasizing the deep bond between Julia and Gabe. They reconnect later in life after a brief romantic involvement in their youth, rekindling feelings that linger until Gabe's untimely death.
When asked why the novel begins at Gabe's funeral, Muharrar explains:
"I wanted to begin the book there because the book is about Julia's process of grieving and that's where it starts."
(01:45)
Julia is depicted as someone experiencing her first significant loss, leading her through denial and confusion. Gabe, though semi-famous, represents a personal loss that contrasts with the public mourning from his fans, creating a nuanced portrayal of grief.
Themes of Grief and Loss
The novel intricately explores the process of grieving, especially in the context of unresolved feelings and unanswered questions. Muharrar emphasizes that the story isn't a mystery but a deep dive into coping with loss:
"...it's not like a whodunit. It's more like, now that this person is gone, what do we do?"
(01:45)
Julia's journey is marked by her mission to understand her relationship with Gabe, revealing the complexities of moving forward after a personal tragedy.
Setting in 2016 and Its Significance
Set against the backdrop of 2016, Muharrar contextualizes the personal turmoil of the characters within a tumultuous year marked by significant global events. She reflects on why she chose this particular year:
"...I also want to show that in this busy, chaotic year globally, historically, you could still have a very personal experience that's happening to you that blocks all of that out. And I think that is how grief feels."
(12:00)
By anchoring the novel in 2016, Muharrar juxtaposes the characters' intimate struggles with the broader societal chaos, highlighting how personal grief can overshadow global happenings.
Representation of Los Angeles
Julia's life in LA is portrayed authentically, focusing on aspects beyond the glitz of Hollywood. Muharrar aims to showcase ordinary passions and careers outside the entertainment industry:
"I wanted to show people with ordinary passions and jobs outside of the Hollywood entertainment industry living in LA."
(13:25)
This approach provides a realistic depiction of LA life, emphasizing that not all residents are entrenched in showbiz, but many pursue diverse and meaningful careers.
Transition from TV to Novel Writing
Moving from a successful career in television to writing a novel required Muharrar to adapt her storytelling approach. When discussing this transition, she notes:
"It felt like this was the medium for the story."
(14:20)
Muharrar highlights the similarities between TV writing and novel writing, such as character development and narrative structure, while embracing the novel's capacity for deep introspection and personal storytelling.
Personal Background of Aisha Muharrar
Originating from Bayshore, Long Island, Muharrar brings a distinct New York flavor to her work. She shares personal anecdotes that reflect her heritage, including:
"There's so many things that I've seen and other people have told me, and I still have a bit of my Long island accent that comes out when I say certain words."
(15:36)
Her connection to her roots manifests in her characters and settings, adding authenticity and relatability to her narratives.
Book Recommendations
Towards the end of the episode, Muharrar offers five book recommendations for listeners participating in WNYC's summer reading challenge:
- Classic: "Giovanni's Room" by James Baldwin
- New York Set: "How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water" by Angie Cruz
- Memoir/Biography: "Singing and Swinging and Getting Merry Like Christmas" by Maya Angelou
- Recent Debut Novel: "Lonely Crowds" by Stephanie Wambugu
- Futuristic Release (2025): "Dream Count" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
She enthusiastically endorses her own novel, "Loved One," as a compelling choice for readers.
Conclusion
Aisha Muharrar's "Loved One" emerges as a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery. Through Julia's journey, Muharrar invites readers to reflect on their own experiences with grief and the enduring bonds that shape our lives. This episode of All Of It offers a deep dive into Muharrar's creative process, her seamless transition from screenwriting to novel writing, and the rich, character-driven narrative that "Loved One" promises to deliver.
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