First Draft - James Wood

Mitzi Rapkin interviews James Wood, author of the novel "Upstate," discussing themes of happiness, family dynamics, and the contrast between American and English perspectives. Wood reflects on the arbitrary nature of happiness within families, the challenges of parenthood, and the inspiration behind his characters in "Upstate." He also shares his experiences as a writer and critic, the impact of negative reviews, and reads passages from Willa Cather's "Death Comes for the Archbishop" and the ending of his own novel. The conversation explores the paralysis and stasis in family life, the role of love in disrupting established narratives, and Wood's writing process.