Episode Summary: "Tova Mirvis, WE WOULD NEVER: A Novel"

Podcast: Totally Booked with Zibby
Host: Zibby Owens
Guest: Tova Mervis
Release Date: February 28, 2025

Introduction and Guest Background

In this episode, Zibby Owens welcomes Tova Mervis, a celebrated author known for her engaging novels and memoir. Tova discusses her latest work, We Would Never, alongside her previous publications, including the memoir The Book of Separation and bestselling novels like Visible City and Ladies Auxiliary.

Notable Quote:

Zibby Owens [00:01]: "Tova Mervis is the author of We Would Never, a New York Times Book Review Editor's Choice memoir, and other acclaimed novels. Welcome, Tova."

First Impressions of We Would Never

Zibby shares her profound reaction to Tova's new novel, highlighting the gripping first chapter that left her and her children astonished.

Notable Quote:

Zibby Owens [01:27]: "In my entire life, I have never read a first chapter that ended with me gasping... it's like, the book. So having a twist right at the beginning was thrilling."

Plot Overview of We Would Never

Tova provides a synopsis of We Would Never, describing it as a mystery centered around a close-knit Florida family dealing with the aftermath of their daughter's divorce, which spirals into unimaginable events, potentially including murder. She emphasizes that the novel delves deep into themes of family love, loyalty, anger, escalation, and forgiveness.

Notable Quote:

Tova Mervis [01:59]: "We Would Never is about a close-knit family in Florida who might or might not have done something unimaginable in the wake of their daughter's divorce. It's really a mystery about family love and loyalty..."

Personal Influences and Emotional Depth

Zibby draws parallels between Tova's personal life, particularly her experience with divorce, and the themes explored in the novel. Tova discusses how her memoir influenced her approach to writing fiction, allowing her to explore the emotional complexities of divorce without tying directly to her personal experiences.

Notable Quote:

Tova Mervis [02:49]: "All fiction is so great because you get that freedom... I used the emotional texture, the way that divorce is so destabilizing..."

Character Development: Sherry and Haley

The conversation delves into the intricate characterizations within the novel. Tova explains how she portrays Sherry, the mother-in-law, as a likable yet overbearing character whose actions stem from love and protectiveness. Haley, the daughter, embodies the struggle of losing one's identity amidst familial turmoil.

Notable Quote:

Zibby Owens [04:28]: "You make Sherry so likable no matter what she does... you see all her intentions."

Themes of Forgiveness and Jewish Faith

Tova elaborates on the novel's exploration of forgiveness, particularly through the lens of Jewish traditions like Yom Kippur. She discusses how each character grapples with the concept of forgiveness, making it a central theme in the narrative.

Notable Quote:

Tova Mervis [19:37]: "I was really interested in exploring the theme of forgiveness, which is a universal theme, but in particular, the idea of Yom Kippur..."

Setting: The Duality of Florida

The lush and volatile landscape of Florida serves as a metaphor for the family's internal chaos. Tova describes Florida as a place of structured beauty juxtaposed with the potential for sudden upheaval, mirroring the family's descent into turmoil.

Notable Quote:

Tova Mervis [16:07]: "Florida was the right landscape to do that... the lushness, the greenery... it's civilized, ordered yet always on the verge of crazy."

Upcoming Projects: Exploring Southern Jewish Heritage

Tova shares insights into her forthcoming novel, Potatoes, which delves into her family's Southern Jewish roots in Memphis. She discusses the generational storytelling and the uncovering of family histories that inspire her writing.

Notable Quote:

Tova Mervis [23:46]: "I'm taking those early short stories and turning it into a larger story about what happened to this great grandmother... exploring what family stories do we tell."

Closing Thoughts

Zibby expresses her admiration for Tova's ability to weave personal experiences into compelling fiction. She eagerly anticipates reading Tova's memoir and future works, highlighting the deep resonance and emotional authenticity of Tova's storytelling.

Notable Quote:

Zibby Owens [26:37]: "Thank you, Tova, for this totally riveting and deeply resonant book. It's really great, and I'm so glad to have talked to you about it."

Key Takeaways

• Emotional Complexity: We Would Never intricately explores the emotional landscape of a family grappling with divorce and its far-reaching consequences.

• Character Depth: Characters are portrayed with nuanced motivations, highlighting the thin line between protective love and overbearing behavior.

• Cultural Context: The novel incorporates elements of Jewish faith, particularly the theme of forgiveness, adding layers to the narrative.

• Setting as Metaphor: Florida's vibrant and unpredictable environment mirrors the family's internal struggles.

• Author's Journey: Tova Mervis continues to draw from her personal experiences and heritage, enriching her storytelling with authenticity and depth.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby provides a deep dive into Tova Mervis's We Would Never, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the novel's themes, characters, and the author's inspirations. Tova's candid discussion about blending personal experiences with fiction underscores the power of storytelling in exploring complex emotional and familial dynamics.

For more insights and upcoming episodes, visit zibbymedia.com and follow Zibby Owens on Instagram @zibbyowens.