About this episode

Julia Langbein discusses her novel 'Dear Monica Lewinsky' and themes of personal reflection and forgiveness.

In Julia Langbein’s new novel, a woman named Jean is in turmoil over her past. She has rediscovered a diary from 1998, when she was 17-years-old, and spots a judgemental comment about Monica Lewinsky. Now 45 and remembering her own mistakes, Jean calls out to Lewinsky – and her prayers are answered. In today’s episode, Langbein joins NPR’s Elissa Nadworny for a discussion about Dear Monica Lewinsky that touches on adolescent desire, medieval iconography, and collective error and forgiveness. To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookoftheday See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

People in this episode

Host: Elissa Nadworny

Guest: Julia Langbein

Topics covered

• adolescent desire
• forgiveness
• medieval iconography
• collective error
• personal turmoil

Keywords

• Dear Monica Lewinsky
• Julia Langbein
• Monica Lewinsky
• adolescent desire
• forgiveness
• medieval iconography

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