Mothers, Sons, and Daughters: The Complex Ties That Bind

Join Pulitzer Prize finalist Adam Haslett (Mothers & Sons) and internationally bestselling author Siri Hustvedt (Mothers, Fathers, and Others) for an insightful conversation on how literature grapples with the maternal bond. Haslett’s novel explores the emotional distance between a mother and son, torn apart by their differing understandings of a death. Hustvedt’s essay collection challenges the cultural expectations of motherhood, especially in a world shaped by misogyny.

Moderated by Rivka Galchen (Everyone Knows Your Mother is a Witch), this discussion will examine our understanding of mothering, both its expectations and tensions, offering fresh perspectives on motherhood—just in time for Mother’s Day.