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Bookworm

John Wray: Godsend

John Wray discusses writing about the extremes of subjectivity, and breaking the reader of expectations in his new novel, Godsend.

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By Michael Silverblatt • Jan 10, 2019 • 28m Listen

An eighteen-year old American, hungry for purity, moves to the Middle East and studies Islam at a madrasa, discovering what she yearned for in America. Belief determines behavior in Pakistan, where simplicity and honesty replace the hypocrisy she fled from. Disguising herself as a young man, and joining the Taliban, she lives a lie while searching for what is true. John Wray discusses writing about the extremes of subjectivity, and breaking the reader of expectations.

Photos by Christopher Ho.

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    Michael Silverblatt

    host, 'Bookworm'

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    Michelle Escobar

    Director, Volunteer Services

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    Alan Howard

    Bookworm Collaborator

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    John Wray

    novelist

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