Susan Choi's 'Flashlight' is about an alternate-universe version of her own family cover art

Susan Choi's 'Flashlight' is about an alternate-universe version of her own family

Susan Choi's 'Flashlight' is about an alternate-universe version of her own family

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

A 10-year-old girl, Louisa, and her father take a walk on breakwater in Japan, where her family is living. Louisa is later found on a beach – her father has disappeared. She and her mother are left on their own – but the tragedy doesn't bring them closer together, at least for a long time. Susan Choi's new novel Flashlight follows this family across generations and a vast historical expanse. In today's episode, Choi speaks with NPR's Scott Simon about why her protagonist fends off love, her interest in the historical tensions between Korea and Japan, and the benefit of writing in chronological order.

To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookofthedayNotes: include dig reviews; past books covered on NPR; any author profiles.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

What listeners say about Susan Choi's 'Flashlight' is about an alternate-universe version of her own family

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.