Episode Summary: Jill Santopolo on "THE LOVE WE FOUND"

Podcast: Totally Booked with Zibby Owens
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Guest: Jill Santopolo, New York Times Bestselling Author

Introduction to Jill Santopolo and Her Work

In this episode, host Zibby Owens welcomes back Jill Santopolo, a New York Times and internationally bestselling author renowned for titles such as Stars in an Italian Sky, More Than Words, Everything After, and The Light We Lost. Known for her deeply emotional narratives, Jill has captivated readers worldwide, with her works translated into over 35 languages and featured on prestigious bestseller lists, including the New York Times and Indie Bound.

Notable Quote:
"Her work has been translated into more than 35 languages and has appeared on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Apple, Amazon, and Indie Bound bestseller lists." — Zibby Owens [01:41]

Exploring "THE LOVE WE FOUND" – The Sequel to "The Light We Lost"

Jill Santopolo delves into her highly anticipated sequel, "THE LOVE WE FOUND", following the journey of Lucy, the protagonist from her previous novel, The Light We Lost. The sequel picks up 10 years later, addressing unresolved emotions and providing closure to Lucy's tumultuous relationship with Gabe.

Why the Sequel?
Jill explains her motivation for writing the sequel was twofold: the overwhelming demand from fans eager to know what happened next, and a personal desire to bring healing to Lucy's character, who was left in a "broken place" at the end of the first book.

Notable Quote:
"I wanted to create a story that would kind of heal her. I feel like the world has just been so broken in so many ways and we all need a little bit of healing." — Jill Santopolo [04:32]

Themes of Loss, Healing, and Connection

"The Love We Found" intricately weaves themes of loss, relationships, motherhood, and second chances. Jill poignantly reads an excerpt from the book, highlighting the lingering presence of lost love and the quest for closure.

Notable Quote:
"Sometimes I wake up, and for a brief moment, you are alive, Gabe, in that blurry place between dreams and reality." — Jill Santopolo [06:20]

Jill shares a personal connection to the theme of loss, mentioning the recent passing of her stepfather and how it influenced her writing. This personal experience adds depth to the novel's exploration of grief and remembrance.

Setting the Scene: Italy and Lampedusa

A significant portion of the sequel is set in Italy, a country close to Jill's heart due to her family's heritage. She introduces readers to Lampedusa, an island that serves as a gateway for refugees, blending the romantic allure of Italy with the harsh realities of the refugee crisis.

Notable Quote:
"I thought this was a really interesting place to focus on because it's not one that people talk about a lot in fiction." — Jill Santopolo [09:32]

Jill's vivid descriptions transport listeners to Lampedusa, highlighting the island's duality as a beautiful vacation spot and a somber refuge for those fleeing turmoil.

Character Development: Darren and Dax

In "THE LOVE WE FOUND," Lucy navigates her complex relationships with Darren, her husband from the first book, and Dax, a new character who represents a chance at a more compatible love.

Darren:
Jill emphasizes Darren's role as an exemplary father and explores the nuances of maintaining a strong, albeit changed, marriage after a decade.

Dax:
Contrasting Darren, Dax is portrayed as someone who aligns more seamlessly with Lucy's evolved self, embodying mutual appreciation and shared experiences of loss.

Notable Quote:
"I wanted to find someone who's the right one for her, like, in all the ways. Someone who appreciates her for who she is and for what she wants to do." — Jill Santopolo [12:55]

The Writing Process: Planning and Spontaneity

Jill shares her approach to plotting THE LOVE WE FOUND, likening it to planning a road trip where the destination is known, but the stops are discovered along the way. This method allows flexibility and organic development of the story.

Notable Quote:
"My process in writing plot is sort of like planning a road trip where you start first and you're just like, okay, I want to drive from New York to Los Angeles." — Jill Santopolo [28:42]

This analogy underscores Jill's balance between structured planning and creative spontaneity, ensuring a cohesive yet dynamic narrative.

Balancing Professional and Personal Life

Beyond her writing, Jill discusses her role as the publisher of Philomel Books at Penguin Random House. She details her daily routine, which involves juggling professional responsibilities with personal life, emphasizing the importance of compartmentalization to maintain productivity and sanity.

Notable Quote:
"These are the hours that I'M doing this. These are the hours that I'M doing this." — Jill Santopolo [21:50]

Jill’s strategy of setting clear boundaries between work and personal time serves as insightful advice for professionals navigating multiple roles.

Future Endeavors and Potential Sequels

While "THE LOVE WE FOUND" provides closure for Lucy's story, Jill hints at the possibility of exploring other characters' perspectives in future works. She expresses interest in delving into the lives of supporting characters like Julia and Jay, though no concrete plans are in place.

Notable Quote:
"I left Lucy in a good spot. I'm happy with where she is now, and I don't feel like I need to open up her next chapter, really." — Jill Santopolo [29:58]

Advocacy and Community Involvement

Jill also touches upon her role as Co-President of the Board for Artists Against Anti-Semitism, highlighting her commitment to fostering love, peace, and connection in a world often marred by division and hate.

Notable Quote:
"We're trying to put more love and peace and connection into the world, and I hope that that's the direction that the whole world starts leaning." — Jill Santopolo [31:54]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Zibby Owens expressing her anticipation for listeners to delve into "THE LOVE WE FOUND," describing it as an immersive, emotional, and escapist read—a necessary respite from the world's heaviness.

Notable Quote:
"I hope it does put those healing vibes out into the world and sort of makes people at least feel good for the moment when they're reading it." — Jill Santopolo [31:31]

Listeners are encouraged to engage with Jill’s work and participate in her efforts to promote love and understanding through both literature and activism.

Final Takeaway:
This episode offers an in-depth look into Jill Santopolo's creative process, her dedication to character development, and her passion for addressing profound themes such as love, loss, and healing. For fans of heartfelt, thought-provoking literature, "THE LOVE WE FOUND" emerges as a compelling continuation of Lucy's journey, promising emotional resonance and engaging storytelling.