Podcast Summary: The Book Case – "Jessica Soffer Tells Us a Love Story"

Episode Information:

• Title: Jessica Soffer Tells Us a Love Story
• Release Date: February 6, 2025
• Hosts: Charlie Gibson and Kate Gibson
• Author Featured: Jessica Soffer
• Book Discussed: This Is a Love Story by Jessica Soffer

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of The Book Case, hosts Charlie Gibson and Kate Gibson delve into the nuanced world of Jessica Soffer's latest novel, This Is a Love Story. The discussion navigates through the intricate layers of a 50-year marriage, exploring themes of love, memory, and personal growth, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Central Park in New York City.

Exploring This Is a Love Story

Kate Gibson introduces the episode by highlighting the book's exploration of a long-lasting marriage. She shares her initial reservations about reading a romance novel, fearing it might be overly sentimental. However, her perspective changes as she delves deeper into the story.

"When you say this is a love story, I'm expecting something that's a little goopy, that's a little maudlin, that is going to try to play on my emotions."
— Kate Gibson [00:56]

Charlie Gibson adds that the book transcends typical romance narratives by presenting a realistic and heartfelt portrayal of a long-term relationship.

"It's really the beautiful story of a couple sort of facing the end of 50 years of marriage... it's so touching and nuanced."
— Charlie Gibson [02:26]

The novel centers on Abe and Jane, who are navigating the twilight of their lives together. Abe sits by Jane's hospital bed, recounting their shared memories and reflecting on their decades-long relationship. The narrative is enriched by the setting of Central Park, which serves as both a physical and emotional landscape for the characters.

Interview with Jessica Soffer

Hosts Introduce Jessica Soffer: Charlie and Kate warmly welcome Jessica Soffer to the podcast, expressing their appreciation for her joining them to discuss her work.

"It's good to have you in the bookcase. We really appreciate your joining us."
— Kate Gibson [04:48]

Discussion on the Title and Narrative Structure: Jessica explains the evolution of her novel's scope, initially focusing solely on Abe and Jane's love story before expanding to include perspectives from their son Max and a young writing student, Alice. This expansion allowed her to present a more comprehensive and multifaceted narrative.

"Every love story is dependent and challenged and complicated... I felt like I had to flesh it out in exactly that way."
— Jessica Soffer [08:36]

Literary Influences and Writing Technique: Jessica delves into her writing process, influenced by her MFA studies and a background in poetry. She employs a technique where the novel is composed of disjointed yet interconnected paragraphs, mimicking the flow of memory and conversation.

"I find there's something really satisfying, really gratifying about writing structurally and in a way that deals with format..."
— Jessica Soffer [09:18]

Character Development and Themes: The conversation touches on the complexity of Jane's character, her struggles with motherhood, and her artistic identity. Jessica emphasizes the authenticity in portraying the challenges of balancing personal passion with family responsibilities.

"Jane thought she was going to be a natural mother... It's deeply surprising to find that the biology doesn't necessarily work that way."
— Jessica Soffer [13:49]

Central Park as a Character: Central Park is not merely a setting but a pivotal character in the novel. Jessica articulates how the park embodies the essence of love and serves as a witness to the characters' lives.

"Central Park is such a critical narrator... It feels like a witness to my life."
— Jessica Soffer [15:44]

Emotional Impact and Reader Takeaway: When asked about the emotional takeaway from the book, Jessica expresses her hope that readers find solace and a sense of shared humanity through the story.

"I hope that it feels uplifting... knowing that life is hard and that love is hard, but that there is immense beauty and intimacy and compassion."
— Jessica Soffer [17:02]

Deep Dive into the Narrative Technique

Kate and Charlie Analyze the Structure: The hosts commend Jessica on her ability to weave a compelling narrative through fragmented memories and diverse perspectives, likening her technique to that of acclaimed author Elizabeth Strout.

"It's a beautifully written book... I have been sitting at the edge of my seat."
— Charlie Gibson [20:59]

Quotes Illustrating the Style: The hosts share excerpts that showcase Jessica's use of memory and stream-of-consciousness to build the story.

"Do you remember that was around the time on East 88th street, visiting an old friend. I was mugged in broad daylight... How we joked about that."
— Kate Gibson [20:48]

Rapid Fire Questions with Jessica Soffer

Favorite Place in Central Park: Jessica shares her personal connection to Strawberry Fields, explaining its significance in her upbringing and childhood.

"It's where I grew up. It's where I spent the most time... that was kind of my spot."
— Jessica Soffer [25:19]

Misconceptions About Central Park: She addresses common misconceptions, emphasizing that Central Park is more approachable and smaller in scale than many perceive.

"People feel like Central Park is larger than it is... I hope that people feel that they can go into the park and enjoy it."
— Jessica Soffer [25:33]

Influential Writers: Jessica cites Virginia Woolf and Michael Cunningham as significant influences on her writing style and thematic exploration.

"I changed to Virginia Woolf... Michael Cunningham's glorification of New York felt important."
— Jessica Soffer [26:51]

Motivation to Write: When asked about her drive to pursue writing, Jessica credits her parents' artistic and literary backgrounds, fostering an environment where she felt empowered to follow her passion.

"There was a deep sense that if I committed to writing, I could do it."
— Jessica Soffer [27:20]

Feelings About the Book's Release: Jessica expresses a blend of excitement and nervousness about her book's release, highlighting the emotional investment she has in her work.

"Equal parts thrilled and terrified."
— Jessica Soffer [28:46]

Book Fact of the Week

Question: What was the first novel printed in the United States, who published it, and in what year?

Answer: In 1742, Benjamin Franklin became the first American to print a novel—Samuel Richardson's Pamela. Unlike the prevalent literature of the time, such as sermons and essays, Pamela was notably lengthy and expensive to produce, leading to limited interest among colonists.

"In 1742, Benjamin Franklin became the first American to print a novel, Samuel Richardson's Pamela."
— Charlie Gibson [30:05]

Kate adds that Pamela is an epistolary novel, a format that involves letters exchanged between characters, and mentions its enduring influence and subsequent parodies.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with hosts Charlie and Kate expressing their admiration for Jessica Soffer's work, highlighting the novel's intricate narrative and emotional depth. They also tease upcoming episodes, maintaining a connection with their audience by referencing future book discussions and author interviews.

"This is a love story. So I have not breathed or eaten or slept or anything. I have been sitting at the edge of my seat."
— Charlie Gibson [19:29]

Key Takeaways:

• This Is a Love Story offers a profound exploration of a long-term marriage, enriched by multiple perspectives and the symbolic presence of Central Park.
• Jessica Soffer utilizes a unique narrative structure influenced by her background in poetry and MFA training, creating a tapestry of memories that collectively form the novel's plot.
• The novel balances emotional depth with realistic character development, addressing themes of love, loss, and personal identity.
• Central Park serves as a central character, embodying the essence of the characters' lives and relationships.
• The Book Case continues to provide insightful discussions with authors, offering listeners a deeper understanding of contemporary literature.

Notable Quotes:

• "Everyone is going to be as okay as anybody can be at any particular time."
  — Jessica Soffer [17:02]

• "I think it's a real stream of consciousness novel where you sort of put together a story from what is said and what isn't."
  — Charlie Gibson [21:00]

• "Love is a force in the world. From the first word to the very, very last."
  — Jessica Soffer [33:24]

This summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing listeners with an in-depth understanding of Jessica Soffer's This Is a Love Story and the insightful conversation that unfolds within the podcast.