What We Left Unsaid with Winnie M Li

Update: 2025-08-19

Description

Join host Michelle Glogovac on Read The Damn Book as she sits down with award-winning author Winnie M. Li to discuss her powerful new novel, What We Left Unsaid. In this thought-provoking conversation, Michelle and Winnie explore family dynamics, immigration stories, and the complexities of sibling relationships that shape identity.

Winnie opens up about the personal experiences and cross-country research on Route 66 that inspired her storytelling. They dive into the challenges of motherhood, navigating cultural expectations, and the often-overlooked chapters of American history. This episode is perfect for readers who love multi-generational family dramas, immigrant narratives, and literary fiction that unpacks belonging and identity.

What We're Talking About...

Winnie's novel addresses powerful themes like immigration and family dynamics.
The story is centered around a road trip that reveals hidden family secrets.
Sibling relationships are complex and often fraught with misunderstandings.
The past significantly influences the characters' present lives.
Winnie's personal experiences shaped her writing and research for the novel.
The book explores the immigrant experience in America.
Motherhood brings its own set of anxieties and expectations.
Cultural identity plays a crucial role in the characters' lives.
Historical context is essential to understanding the characters' journeys.
The novel encourages readers to reflect on their own family dynamics and histories.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Author Background

01:00 Themes of Family and Immigration

03:50 Sibling Dynamics and Relationships

06:57 Exploring the Past: The 1991 Road Trip

10:51 Researching Route 66 and Personal Experiences

18:06 Driving and Personal Growth

21:59 Motherhood and Family Expectations

25:49 Cultural Identity and Guilt

30:07 Historical Context and American Identity

Links Mentioned

What We Left Unsaid by Winnie M Li