How Julia Alvarez conceived the story for her novel "Afterlife"

Season 38 Episode 5

About the Episode

Julia Alvarez released "Afterlife" in 2020, about a woman dealing with her husband's unexpected death and meeting an undocumented teenager. The book was dedicated to her oldest sister, Maury, who died in 2015, and was Alvarez's way of "[giving] voice to that landscape of aging."

Aired: | Expires: | Runtime: 1m 05s

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Extras

When Brenda Lee eloped with her husband

Brenda Lee met her husband Ronnie Shacklett at the age of 17 and eloped with him six months later.

2:35
How Brenda Lee's collaboration with producer Owen Bradley changed the course of her career

Owen Bradley, producer at Decca Records, took Brenda Lee under his wing and became a mentor to her.

2:21
Brenda Lee had a fully formed career before even signing a contract

Brenda Lee made appearances on television, radio and live shows all before she even signed a deal.

2:30
Brenda Lee's career started when she was just 8 years old

Brenda Lee began working as a professional singer at just eight years old to support her family.

2:36
Quincy Jones explains how he got started in music

Quincy Jones discusses his early career, friendships and how he defines himself.

15:00
Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around

Discover the life of singer Brenda Lee and her musical hits spanning genres and decades.

2:56
Brad Lomax: Creating Communities of Care [Extended Audio Description + OC]

Explore Brad Lomax’s under-reported contributions to the early disability justice movement.

13:34
Brad Lomax: Creating Communities of Care [ASL + OC]

Explore Brad Lomax’s under-reported contributions to the early disability justice movement.

10:19
Thomas Wiggins: Composing the Future [Extended Audio Description + OC]

The story of a composer and pianist known as one of the greatest musicians of the 19th century.

16:54
Thomas Wiggins: Composing the Future [ASL + OC]

The story of a composer and pianist known as one of the greatest musicians of the 19th century.

13:31

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