Sophie Chen Keller: "Little Wonder" | Oprah's Book Club
Summary
Oprah Winfrey welcomes author Sophie Chen Keller to discuss her novel *Little Wonder*, the 124th selection for Oprah’s Book Club. Keller shares how her experiences as a new mother in Beijing and her battle with thyroid cancer inspired the story of a mother and her piano prodigy son separated by forces beyond their control. The conversation explores themes of maternal sacrifice, social inequality in modern China, and the transformative power of music.
Topics discussed
Introduction and Oprah's Book Club 30th Anniversary
Guests' reactions to Little Wonder and musical themes
Sophie's background, immigration, and career pivot
Life in Beijing and inspiration for the novel
Motherhood challenges and writing routine
Plot summary and the separation of Song and River
Writing from a child's perspective and piano lessons
Thyroid cancer diagnosis and its impact on the story
Audience Q&A: Motherhood, music, and class politics
Setting the story in 2016 and narrative structure
Depicting rural life and parenting styles
Musical prodigy details, grief, and conclusion
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