The novelist Lori Lansens talks to Joseph Planta about her new book, The Wife’s Tale (Knopf, 2009), a story about an obsese woman’s search for her husband who’s left her and the search for herself; as well, Lansens discusses moving from Canada to California, her writing and reading habits, and interacting with her readers at book clubs and elsewhere.

The Wife’s Tale by Lori Lansens. (Knopf, 2009) Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: The Wife’s Tale

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line. This is THECOMMENTARY.CA.

Lori Lansens joins me now. Her new novel is called The Wife’s Tale. It is described as deeply humane and entirely convincing. It’s set in Leaford, Ontario, which was also the setting of her first two novels. We’ll ask her where that is on the map. On the eve of Mary Gooch’s 25th anniversary, she discovers her husband isn’t coming back. She sets forth on a journey of self-discovery that takes her to the big city, then to another country for the first time. Mary is just over 300 lbs, and though she’s got a pretty face, she’s obese. Lori Lansens is the author of two previous books, Rush Home Road, and The Girls, which was a Richard and Judy Best Read of the Year. Her website is www.lorilansens.com. The Wife’s Tale is published by Knopf. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, from her home just outside of Los Angeles, Lori Lansens; Good morning, Ms. Lansens.

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