Episode Summary: Jacqueline Friedland on "Counting Backwards"

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens sits down with renowned author Jacqueline Friedland to discuss her latest novel, Counting Backwards. Released on April 4, 2025, this deep dive explores Friedland's intricate storytelling, the novel's profound themes, and her personal journey as an author.

Guest Background

Jacqueline Friedland, affectionately known as Jackie, is a USA Today and Amazon Bestselling author specializing in both historical and contemporary women's fiction. With five novels under her belt, Jackie has garnered numerous accolades, including gold medals in Fiction from Reader's Favorite (2020 & 2021), a Best Indie Book mention by Kirkus Reviews (2021), and recognition as a Women’s Fiction Writers Association Star Finalist (2022). Beyond her novels, Jackie contributes to On Being Jewish Now and is an active guest lecturer and fiction reviewer for trade publications. Her academic prowess is evident with degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, NYU Law School, and an MFA from Sarah Lawrence College.

Notable Quote:

"Welcome, Jackie. Thank you so much for coming on to talk about Counting Backwards. Congratulations."
— Zibby Owens [01:41]

Discussion of "Counting Backwards"

Counting Backwards weaves a narrative around Jessa, a young attorney who transitions from a corporate lawyer to taking on a pro bono immigration case. The story unfolds as Jessa visits an all-female immigration detention center, where she uncovers a disturbing pattern of medical abuse related to women's reproductive rights.

a. Plot Summary

The novel begins with the seemingly mundane aspects of Jessa's life, highlighting her marriage and personal struggles. As Jessa delves deeper into her case, she faces disbelief and lack of support, except from her elderly grandmother. Determined, she chooses to stand alone to defend the detained women, risking her career and marriage in the process.

Notable Quote:

"The story is about a young attorney who takes on a pro bono immigration case... chaos ensues."
— Jackie Friedland [04:48]

b. Themes Explored

Several profound themes permeate the novel:

• Fertility and Family Desires: The narrative delves into the complexities of fertility, the emotional toll of miscarriage, and the deep-seated desire for biological children.

• Eugenics and Historical Injustices: Drawing parallels to the infamous Buck v. Bell case, the novel explores the dark history of eugenics and its lingering impact on contemporary issues.

• Marriage and Personal Sacrifice: The strain of professional responsibilities on personal relationships is a central theme, illustrating how external pressures can test the foundations of a marriage.

Notable Quote:

"I wanted to explore what would happen... at what point do you say, mediocre is not enough?"
— Jackie Friedland [09:13]

c. Characters

• Jessa: A dedicated attorney haunted by personal traumas, including the loss of her parents in a car crash. Her unwavering commitment to her clients drives the narrative.

• Vance: Jessa's husband, a descendant of Holocaust survivors, who grapples with the pressures of family legacy and their differing desires regarding having more children.

Notable Quote:

"Jessa is so single-mindedly focused on having the biological child that I think it does feel reasonable for him to question... 'Here I am, I'm like, well, you have me.'"
— Jackie Friedland [14:33]

Writing Process and Inspirations

Jacqueline Friedland draws heavily from her legal background and personal experiences to craft authentic narratives. Her inspiration for Counting Backwards stems from her time as a commercial litigator and a poignant high school encounter with the Buck v. Bell case. This historical case, which legalized the forced sterilization of Carrie Buck, serves as a cornerstone for the novel's exploration of reproductive rights and systemic abuse.

Notable Quote:

"I want to give Jessa that same journey... to show that we can never completely understand."
— Jackie Friedland [17:32]

Jackie's meticulous research involved engaging with human rights organizations and directly communicating with individuals currently incarcerated, ensuring the authenticity of Jessa's experiences in the detention center.

Future Projects and Other Works

Beyond Counting Backwards, Jackie is currently grappling with her next novel—a contemporary fiction piece about an autistic teenager who goes missing and the ensuing blame placed on a Division I college athlete. This challenging project delves into themes of responsibility, societal judgment, and personal redemption.

Notable Quote:

"It's a contemporary fiction about an autistic teenager who goes missing... she is actually potentially the only one who can save him."
— Jackie Friedland [25:55]

Insights and Advice

When asked about her writing process, Jackie emphasizes quality over quantity. She avoids strict word counts, instead dedicating specific times each day to write, often finding moments during evenings or weekends. Her support system, comprising fellow writers Sam Woodruff and Brooke Foster, played a crucial role in her perseverance during the arduous writing of Counting Backwards.

Notable Quote:

"My best advice is to write and to say no when people ask you to do things during the time that you wanted to be writing... the more you write, the better you will get."
— Jackie Friedland [29:01]

Conclusion

This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby offers a deep and thoughtful conversation with Jacqueline Friedland, shedding light on the intricate layers of Counting Backwards. From its gripping plot and rich thematic elements to Jackie's dedication to authentic storytelling, listeners gain invaluable insights into the making of a powerful novel. Friedland's journey as an author serves as an inspiration to aspiring writers, highlighting the importance of perseverance, research, and heartfelt narratives.

Notable Quote:

"I really enjoyed your book. Totally impressed. Very thought-provoking. Feel like it could be a movie."
— Zibby Owens [29:48]

Quote Highlights

• "I wanted to explore... at what point do you say, mediocre is not enough?"
  — Jackie Friedland [09:13]

• "And she has to miss out on that... leading up to the joys things she thinks she's gonna have when she has a baby."
  — Jackie Friedland [11:44]

• "We have to take a deep breath in... you're running rings around them."
  — Zibby Owens [30:09]

Final Thoughts

For those intrigued by Counting Backwards and Jacqueline Friedland's thought-provoking narratives, this episode is a must-listen. It not only delves into the heart of her latest work but also offers a glimpse into the dedication and passion that drive her storytelling.

Stay Connected

To explore more about Jacqueline Friedland's works or to follow her journey, visit zibbyowens.com and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens.