The Leonard Lopate Show
The Year of Magical Thinking
In late December, 2003 Joan Didion’s life turned upside down. Her only daughter had unexpectedly fallen into a coma after what seemed like the flu turned into a bad case of pneumonia with serious complications. Then, after returning from the hospital, Joan’s husband of four decades suffered a fatal heart attack while they were making dinner. In The Year of Magical Thinking, Joan Didion wrestles with her grief and loss, and what it means to be dependent on someone you love. She joins us today with Vanessa Redgrave, who brings this moving memoir to life in the Broadway play of the same name.
The Year of Magical Thinking is available for purchase at amazon.com
The Year of Magical Thinking on Broadway
Dear Mr. Lopate:
Congratulations on your wonderful interview with Joan Didion and Vanessa Redgrave. Using English in an emotionally and intellectually precise and truthful fashion - they are not easy subjects to quizz I would imagine. (A certain late night, PBS interview host did an abominal job recently!)
Your questions were exquisitely gentle, as befitted the subject. They elicted illuminating answers from your guests that moved them into the realm of conversation rather than interview.
Thank you for the sensitivity and generosity of spirit that you showed here. I think most people assume that the guests are the ones who expose themselves. But as with all conversationalists, the inquisators have to place themselves on level ground and prove themselves vulnerable too.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Ro Howe
PS. Thank you also for your wonderful 'Food' coverage. As a professional in the field, I truly appreciate your interest, passion and delight in the food culture, not only of NYC but of the world.
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