Podcast Episode Summary: All Of It – Susan Choi's New Novel 'Flashlight'
Podcast Information:
- Title: All Of It
- Host: Alex Alison Stewart
- Guest: Susan Choi, National Book Award-winning author
- Episode Title: Susan Choi's New Novel 'Flashlight'
- Release Date: June 25, 2025
- Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, aiming to engage thinkers, doers, makers, and creators in discussions about their work and its cultural context.
Introduction to 'Flashlight'
In this episode of All Of It, host Alex Alison Stewart delves into Susan Choi's latest novel, 'Flashlight'. The conversation explores the novel's intricate narrative spanning decades and perspectives, beginning with a poignant accident in Japan that shapes the protagonist's life.
Key Plot Points:
- The story opens with a tragic incident where 10-year-old Louisa and her father, Cirque, experience a rocky fall on a breakwater in Japan, leading to Cirque's presumed death.
- The narrative then shifts to 1940s Japan, detailing Cirque's childhood as a Korean in a Japanese-dominated society, his family's emigration to North Korea, and his eventual move to America to build a new life.
- The novel weaves through decades, presenting the complexities of family dynamics, identity, and survival.
“Susan Choi’s new novel begins with an accident. 10 year old Louisa and her father Cirque are walking on the rocky breakwater at night... This tragedy defines the arc of a novel that unfolds over decades and different perspectives.” [00:29]
Origins and Development of 'Flashlight'
Susan Choi discusses the genesis of 'Flashlight', stemming from a short story published in the New Yorker in 2020. She reflects on her childhood experiences in Japan and how unexplained events from the late 70s influenced her imagination, ultimately shaping the novel.
“The first idea came a long, long time ago... I spent time in Japan when I was a kid and it was very memorable.” [01:50]
Choi elaborates on her writing process, initially aiming for a novella inspired by Jenny Erpenbeck's 'Visitation', but the novel organically expanded into a more extensive work. She acknowledges the challenge of conveying East Asian history to an American audience, necessitating a more detailed narrative.
“There was a lot that she could kind of leave in the margins... And I decided to dive into this period of East Asian history that... is not that well known.” [03:35]
Narrative Structure and Themes
Choi describes 'Flashlight' as a family story focused on how a small family navigates tragedy and change. She emphasizes the importance of cultural identity, generational trauma, and the resilience required to overcome adversity.
“I wanted it to be a family story... I wanted to explore how they make it through that.” [17:33]
Symbolism and Metaphors
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the symbolic use of the flashlight in the novel. While Choi did not initially plan for the flashlight to carry metaphorical weight, it emerged organically during the writing process, serving as a central motif representing guidance and the search for understanding.
“I don't plan metaphors or themes... It was a little bit of a tribute to my own family's immigration story.” [12:32]
“The flashlight was the right thing... I think it pulls things together that my conscious kind of analytical mind doesn't even recognize.” [13:07]
Character Development and Naming
The conversation delves into the protagonist Cirque's evolving identity through his changing names, reflecting his struggle with cultural assimilation and self-identity. Choi explains the significance of each name and its relation to his heritage and personal journey.
“Cirque is a boy born to ethnic Korean parents in Japan... his name is Hiroshi at school.” [17:05]
Choi also touches on her personal connection to the character Louisa, revealing that aspects of Louisa are inspired by her own childhood, adding depth to the character's contentious nature.
“There are aspects of Louisa that I definitely was drawing on my own childhood self for.” [14:20]
Excerpts from 'Flashlight'
Susan Choi reads an excerpt from her novel, providing listeners with a glimpse into the narrative's emotional depth and character dynamics. The passage highlights the strained relationship between Louisa and her father, setting the tone for the novel's exploration of familial bonds and personal struggles.
“Louisa and her father are making their way down the breakwater... These are the last words he ever says to her.” [06:16]
Literary Influences and Recommendations
Choi shares her literary inspirations and recommends a selection of books for listeners to consider for their summer reading. Her choices reflect her appreciation for diverse narratives and deep cultural explorations.
Recommended Reads:
- 'The Odyssey' translated by Daniel Mendelsohn
- 'The Ballad of Black Tom' by Victor LaValle
- 'Negroland' by Margo Jefferson
- 'Good Girl' by Aria Eber
- 'Daughters of the Bamboo Grove' by Barbara Demick
“I have to highly, highly recommend Barbara Demick's new book, Daughters of the Bamboo Grove.” [20:07]
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The episode concludes with a heartfelt exchange between Choi and Stewart, emphasizing the universal themes of family, identity, and resilience that resonate throughout 'Flashlight'. Choi expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to share her work and engage with listeners about the intricate layers of her storytelling.
“I wanted it to be a family story... And I wanted to explore how they make it through that.” [17:33]
Notable Quotes:
- “Louisa tolerates this out of kindness... Had no idea Cirque's actions would lead to this.” [06:20]
- “I think, you know, grownups are just... They let you down.” [10:36]
- “The flashlight was the right thing... It pulls things together.” [13:07]
Final Notes
Susan Choi's 'Flashlight' promises to be a compelling addition to contemporary literature, weaving personal and historical narratives into a rich tapestry that explores the depths of family and cultural identity. This episode of All Of It offers listeners an insightful look into the creative process behind the novel and the themes that drive Choi's storytelling.