"It does come down to that moment, when as a reader or as a writer entering into a story we say — it's not about me, it's about you."

Alice McDermott's Absolution shines a light on the dynamic lives of American women as they navigate the tumultuous era of the Vietnam War. McDermott joins us to talk about the untold pieces of American history, the evolution of her career as a writer, the power and impact of language in fiction and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over.

This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Executive Producer Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang.

New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app.

Featured Books (episode):

Absolution by Alice McDermott

The Quiet American by Graham Greene

The Ninth Hour by Alice McDermott

A Flag for Sunrise by Robert Stone

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard

Family Meal by Bryan Washington

The Bee Sting by Paul Murray