Episode 8

How can storytelling become an act of resistance?

Sonora Jha is a professor of journalism at Seattle University and an acclaimed author whose work boldly explores themes of gender, race, and resistance. From her early life in India navigating both privilege and adversity, to her groundbreaking career in journalism and her shift into academia and literary fiction, Sonora shares how her lived experiences shape her writing and worldview.

In this conversation, she discusses the creative process behind her best-selling novel The Laughter, the role of satire in exploring multiple (and sometimes opposing) perspectives, and the impact of authenticity in storytelling. Literary critic Rafael Frumkin joins us to unpack the book’s unique approach to the campus novel genre and sharp critique of complicity and power in academia.

In this episode, Sonora shares her perspectives on:

• (02:22) Growing up in India
• (05:08) Her career in journalism
• (10:18) Transitioning to academia and the U.S.
• (15:40) The Laughter and writing from the perspective of a white man
• (18:14) Expert discussion with critic Rafael Frumkin on the impact of Sonora’s work
• (23:00) Pushback on The Laughter
• (28:03) Advice to young writers

Additional Resources:

• Sonora Jha
• Intemperance (forthcoming)
• The Laughter
• Rafael Frumkin
• Frumpkin's New York Times Book Review of The Laughter