Podcast Summary: The Stacks Ep. 381 – "This Is a True Story" with Haley Cohen Gilliland

Release Date: July 23, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 381 of The Stacks, host Traci Thomas engages in a profound conversation with journalist and debut author Haley Cohen Gilliland. The focus of their discussion revolves around Haley's compelling narrative nonfiction book, "A Flower Traveled in My Blood", which delves into the harrowing true story of the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo—a group of Argentine grandmothers who courageously sought to uncover their stolen grandchildren during the country's military dictatorship in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Book Overview

Haley Cohen Gilliland's "A Flower Traveled in My Blood" is an in-depth exploration of the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, a courageous group of Argentine grandmothers who banded together to locate their missing grandchildren, who were abducted by the Argentine military regime. The book not only narrates personal stories but also spans over a century of Argentine history, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political climate that facilitated such atrocities.

Haley Cohen Gilliland (01:08): "Over the course of the project, I was lucky to benefit from advice from authors that I really admire... I had to know when to stop and when to start writing."

Historical Context

The discussion delves into the dark period of Argentina's history under the military dictatorship led by Jorge Rafael Videla. Traci Thomas admits limited prior knowledge about Argentine history, highlighting the significance of Haley's work in bringing these crucial events to a broader audience.

Traci Thomas (05:16): "I knew basically nothing about Argentinian history... But what you've done is frame the book through Rosa's story."

Haley emphasizes the brutality of the regime, particularly the systematic abduction of pregnant women and the subsequent theft of their newborns, a crime that remains one of the most harrowing aspects of Argentina's past.

Haley Cohen Gilliland (05:16): "It's hard to pick what the most brutal thing... But to me, that crime sticks out and it always has."

Ethical Dilemmas and Objectivity

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the ethical challenges Haley faced while researching and writing the book. She discusses the delicate balance between presenting factual accuracy and addressing the moral complexities inherent in such a traumatic narrative.

Traci Thomas (20:31): "If you were a person... Is this my child? Legally is different than should the people who made this..."

Haley responds by emphasizing her commitment to presenting the story as accurately and powerfully as possible, without shying away from the more controversial aspects.

Haley Cohen Gilliland (22:02): "My main goal with this book was just to share this story with readers as accurately as possible... It felt important not to shy away from those thornier questions."

The Role of the Catholic Church

The podcast touches upon the intertwined relationship between the Argentine military and the Catholic Church during the dictatorship. Traci brings up Pope Francis, an Argentine himself, questioning his role and response during that tumultuous period.

Traci Thomas (17:43): "What was going on, if anything, with him and his relationship to the dictatorship?"

Haley clarifies that while there have been accusations regarding Pope Francis's awareness and response to the atrocities, much remains unclear and is subject to ongoing debate.

Haley Cohen Gilliland (18:31): "There have been some accusations that Pope Francis during that time... but those are sort of blurry."

Research and Writing Process

Haley provides an insightful look into her extensive research process, highlighting the importance of meticulous organization and reliance on a support system of editors and peers to navigate the vast amount of information.

Haley Cohen Gilliland (30:07): "Research is my shield... I had to know when to stop and when to start writing."

She discusses the challenges of managing over 3,000 notes during her initial drafts and the strategies she employed to streamline and retain only the most relevant information.

Traci Thomas (46:18): "How do you decide what notes get the boot?"

Haley Cohen Gilliland (46:28): "If something was easily Googleable... it got cut."

Personal Reflections and Influences

The conversation delves into Haley's personal motivations, including dedicating the book to her late grandmother, Elizabeth, who embodied many of the qualities found in Rosa Royson Blitz, the central figure in her narrative.

Haley Cohen Gilliland (38:14): "She reminded me a lot of Rosa... She never got to read this book."

Haley also shares her admiration for Mary Claire King, a pivotal figure in genetic research who played a crucial role in the search for the disappeared children through DNA testing.

Haley Cohen Gilliland (43:58): "Mary Claire King is such a brilliant writer... she deserves to write her own book."

Audience and Reception

Haley discusses her target audience, aiming to educate those unfamiliar with Argentina's history while providing depth and resonance for those already knowledgeable about the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo.

Haley Cohen Gilliland (34:05): "This book really is... written to educate people who had no idea that any of this happened."

Traci commends Haley's ability to make complex historical events accessible, making the narrative engaging even for listeners with minimal prior knowledge.

Traci Thomas (40:02): "If you're a reader that didn't know a lot of this information... it worked for me."

Recommendations and Further Reading

During the episode, both hosts exchange recommendations for other impactful books that resonate with the themes explored in Haley's work.

Haley Cohen Gilliland (60:04): "Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman... Jorge Rafael Videla... Moneyball by Michael Lewis."

Conclusion

Traci Thomas concludes the episode by fervently recommending "A Flower Traveled in My Blood", urging listeners to read the book to fully grasp the intricate and emotional narrative Haley has crafted.

Traci Thomas (66:32): "A Flower Traveled in My Blood has now been out... you want to be in on the ground floor so that you can talk to me about it and so we can enjoy it together."

Haley expresses gratitude for the discussion, highlighting the rewarding experience of sharing such a significant and personal story.

Haley Cohen Gilliland (66:32): "Thank you, Tracy. That was really, really fun."

Notable Quotes

• Haley Cohen Gilliland (01:08): "You have to just start writing at some point."

• Traci Thomas (05:16): "Even if you don't have a great relationship with your family, we all have a family."

• Haley Cohen Gilliland (17:43): "They saw it as something noble. They thought that they were saving not only the lives of these babies, but the souls of these babies."

• Haley Cohen Gilliland (28:30): "Genetic truth... is just an object of truth. You cannot argue against genetic testing."

Key Takeaways

1. Historical Significance: The book provides an essential look into Argentina's military dictatorship and the brutal tactics employed, including the abduction and appropriation of children.

2. Ethical Storytelling: Haley navigates complex ethical landscapes to present a truthful and nuanced narrative without imposing her own biases.

3. Personal Connection: Haley's dedication to her grandmother and her deep empathy play a crucial role in how the story is told, fostering a connection between the reader and the historical events.

4. Research Excellence: The meticulous research process underscores the importance of thoroughness and organization in narrative nonfiction.

5. Impact and Education: The book serves as a vital educational resource for those unfamiliar with this dark chapter of Argentine history, ensuring that the stories of the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo are not forgotten.

For more discussions and insights on books that shape lives and societal understandings, visit the website www.thestackspodcast.com and consider joining The Stacks Book Club.