NPR's Book of the Day: "The Catch" by Yrsa Daily Ward

Introduction

In this engaging episode of NPR's Book of the Day, host Andrew Limbong introduces listeners to Yrsa Daily Ward's latest novel, "The Catch." The episode delves into the novel's intricate narrative, exploring themes of grief, wish fulfillment, and the complex dynamics between estranged sisters. Through an insightful conversation with Yrsa, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the book's inspiration, characters, and underlying messages.

Overview of "The Catch"

"The Catch" weaves a captivating tale of twin sisters, Clara and Dempsey, who have grown up apart in separate London families following the mysterious and tragic death of their mother in 1995. On their 30th birthday, Clara believes she sees their mother boarding the number six bus, a sight that defies logical explanation given their mother's presumed death.

Yrsa Daily Ward describes the novel's central premise:

"The mom is the same age as her girls are 30 years old. The Catch is a novel." ([01:17])

This intriguing setup sets the stage for a suspenseful exploration of reality versus perception, questioning whether Clara's mother has truly returned or if something more sinister is at play.

Characters and Relationships

The novel centers around the complex relationship between the twin sisters:

• Clara: A burgeoning writer whose first novel has garnered attention. Outwardly, she appears to have a perfect life, but internally, she grapples with deep-seated issues and unresolved grief.

• Dempsey: Clara's twin, who has not achieved the same level of success and remains skeptical about their mother's supposed return. Dempsey's suspicion adds tension to their already strained relationship.

Yrsa explains:

"Clara's a writer. She's broken out with this first novel, and she's kind of, like, trying to project this perfect life... And that Dempsey kind of got the raw end of the deal." ([04:09])

This dynamic highlights themes of envy, rivalry, and the search for personal identity amidst familial expectations and personal loss.

Themes and Inspirations

At its core, "The Catch" explores the profound impact of grief and the human desire for wish fulfillment. Yrsa draws from her personal experience of losing her mother in her early twenties, which profoundly influenced the novel's emotional depth.

"My mother passed away a while ago. It was a profound loss... I thought, God, what would it be like if I was to suddenly encounter her again in some way?" ([05:01])

This heartfelt inspiration underscores the narrative's exploration of longing, memory, and the yearning to reconnect with lost loved ones. Additionally, Yrsa touches on the duality of grief as both a painful and beautiful emotion:

"It is grief, but it's also beautiful. It is love, you know." ([05:05])

Notable Quotes and Insights

Throughout the interview, Yrsa shares several poignant quotes that encapsulate the novel's essence:

1. Clara's Conviction:

   "She is my mother and she is on the bus. My mother rides the bus, the number six bus." ([02:03])

2. On Intuition and Belief:

   "Have you ever really wanted anything to be true? Just really wanted or maybe just needed something to be true?" ([03:02])

3. Family Dynamics:

   "Families aren't perfect. And this is... If it is their mother, this is who they've got." ([06:38])

4. Meaning Behind the Title:

   "There are lots of catches, just as there are in life. It's like, you can have this, but there's this part." ([07:43])

These quotes highlight the novel's exploration of trust, perception, and the inherent complexities within family relationships.

Author's Perspective

Yrsa discusses the emotional and psychological layers she aimed to portray in "The Catch." She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in depicting grief and the longing for closure:

"I think everybody who has knows that it gives you access to a kind of empathy that wasn't there before because it's just such a deep grief." ([05:05])

She also sheds light on the enigmatic nature of the mother character, suggesting that her return might not be as straightforward as Clara believes:

"So why is Clara so sure that this woman who seems to be the same age as her, is her mom?" ([02:52])

This ambiguity invites readers to question the reality of Clara's vision and the true intentions of the mother figure.

The Role of Perception

A significant theme in the novel is the dichotomy between how things appear and their underlying truths. Yrsa elaborates on how both sisters perceive their lives and their mother differently:

"Clara is kind of a mess, and Dempsey's kind of a mess, but she's not succeeding the way Clara is... it really looks at that and looks at what that means and how much of that is true and how much of that is perception." ([04:46])

This introspection encourages readers to consider the reliability of their perceptions and the hidden struggles individuals may face despite outward appearances.

Conclusion

Yrsa Daily Ward's "The Catch" offers a nuanced and emotionally charged narrative that delves into themes of grief, family dynamics, and the quest for truth. Through the intertwined lives of Clara and Dempsey, the novel explores the depths of longing and the complexities of reconciling with the past. Yrsa's personal insights and the novel's rich character development make "The Catch" a compelling read for anyone interested in stories that balance mystery with profound emotional resonance.

As Yrsa aptly puts it:

"Everything is like a multitude of things." ([07:58])

This statement encapsulates the layered storytelling that invites readers to uncover the multiple facets of each character and their intertwined histories.

Note: The timestamps correspond to specific moments in the podcast transcript, providing context to the quoted material.