This episode explores Katie Kitamura's new novel, Audition, focusing on themes of interpretation, gender roles, and the complexities of female characters. Against the backdrop of the novel's setting in New York City, the discussion pivots to the character's awareness of performance in everyday life and the exploration of middle age for women. More significantly, Kitamura delves into the inspiration from horror as a genre, emphasizing the tension and uncertainty leading up to a reveal, rather than the violence itself. As the conversation progresses, Kitamura discusses her interest in workplace settings as a microcosm of larger social structures, illustrating power dynamics through granular details. In contrast to political novels, Kitamura acknowledges the influence of political forces and the pandemic era on her writing, particularly concerning language and meaning. This means for the literary landscape a continued emphasis on precise language and the exploration of complex characters navigating societal expectations.
