It’s a familiar story, but one no less tragic because of its familiarity: a female author makes a huge splash with her debut novel, but despite her promise, the doors slam shut and she fades from view. Nancy Lemann, author of the cult novel Lives of the Saints (1985), discusses the experience of that career trajectory, as well as the recent, renewed enthusiasm for her writing in the pages of Harper’s, The Paris Review, and elsewhere. With candor and her distinctive sensibility, Lemann also lays out her myriad influences, from Walker Percy to Evelyn Waugh.

* Subscribe to Harper’s for only $16.97

* “Lions and Daughters,” Nancy Lemann’s essay in the June issue of Harper’s

* “Diary of Remorse,” Lemann’s essay in the Fall 2022 issue of the Paris Review

* “Musical Hallucinations,” Lemann’s post on The Daily

* Lives of the Saints on Bookshop.org

* Christopher Beha’s Substack

* The Whole Five Feet on Bookshop.org

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit harpersmagazine.substack.com