Regina Porter on Class, Privilege, and 'Rich People Gone Away'

Brown & Black

What happens when a pandemic exposes the realities that wealth and privilege usually hide?

Author Regina Porter stops by our show to discuss her provocative new novel, "The Rich People Have Gone Away," a title that says it all. It's a book with sharp social commentary where characters are forced to confront their own moral complexities about privilege, race, and class, set against the backdrop of COVID-19 in New York City in 2020.

Porter also reveals how she builds complex characters, as well her curiousity to examine themes of personal value versus wealth. Hopefully, this episode can give you a deeper understanding of how literature, in particular this book, can help us process collective trauma and find our place in a time of crisis.

Episode Summary:

(2:15) - From Southern roots to New York stories: Porter's unique writing journey

(7:30) - Exploring race and privilege through white-presenting character Theo Harper

(14:45) - How Regina Porter brings time periods and characters to life

(20:30) - Cardi B's t-shirt: Pop culture's role in Porter's character development

(23:45) - Diversity in publishing: Porter shares industry trends for writers of color

(27:15) - WPorter's advice for aspiring diverse writers

Regina Porter Quotes:

"It's heartbreaking these stories. There's a reason why... we see these stories and people are not able to coexist with their wealth and their worthiness."

"Maybe my job is to pave the road for the next great writer and then my work might be rediscovered, you know, later."

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