In a recent episode of the podcast First Draft, host Mitzi Rapkin engaged in an insightful conversation with acclaimed author Jason Mott about his latest novel, People Like Us. The discussion delved into the profound themes of home and belonging that resonate throughout Mott’s work, reflecting his personal struggles and experiences.
Defining Home Through Personal Experience
During the interview, Mott articulated his ongoing quest to understand the concept of home. He explained that his characters often grapple with similar questions, mirroring his own feelings. Mott resides in Columbus County, North Carolina, on land owned by his family for nearly a century. “For me, this is a very clear-cut definition of home,” he stated, emphasizing the connection he feels to the place where he grew up.
Despite his deep-rooted ties to his family property, Mott’s experiences traveling abroad have provided him with a unique perspective. “I did some touring in Europe and was able to see America from the outside looking in,” he noted, which prompted reflections on the relationship between an individual and their country. This exploration led him to ponder whether a country can reciprocate the love its residents feel.
Complexities of National Identity
Mott’s contemplation of home extends beyond geographic boundaries. He expressed his affection for America, while concurrently feeling disconnected from its broader identity. “I love my slice of America… but my country as a whole, I feel does not so much love me back,” he shared, challenging listeners to consider the complexities of national identity and belonging.
Throughout the discussion, Mott emphasized that home is more about the relationships and connections with people rather than merely physical locations. “Home is very much defined by people, more so than it is by dirt and geography,” he stated. This notion serves as a central theme in People Like Us, where the characters navigate their own interpretations of home and identity.
Mott is not only a novelist but also a poet, with two poetry collections and five novels to his name, including The Returned, which became a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a television series. His previous work, Hell of a Book, won the prestigious National Book Award for fiction, solidifying his reputation as a significant voice in contemporary literature.
Listeners can explore this thought-provoking dialogue by subscribing to the First Draft podcast, available on various platforms.
