Richard Gadd is looking at the ‘dangers of repression’

Richard Gadd, the creator of the Netflix phenomenon *Baby Reindeer*, examines the complexities of male identity, vulnerability, and the dangers of emotional repression. His work, including the upcoming HBO series *Half Man*, challenges traditional archetypes by deconstructing the performance of masculinity and the often-blurred boundaries in male relationships. Gadd emphasizes that radical honesty—even when it involves admitting to personal flaws or past trauma—is the fundamental key to authentic storytelling. By revisiting his own experiences with sexual violence and stalking, he illustrates how transforming pain into art serves as a form of catharsis. Following this discussion, book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews three spring novels—*Yesteryear*, *American Fantasy*, and *Enormous Wings*—that blend escapist narratives with sharp social commentary on female autonomy and the realities of modern life.