How Julia Alvarez was inspired by the working class

Season 38 Episode 5

About the Episode

While at the Yaddo writing retreat, Julia Alvarez found herself suffering from writers block. Inspiration struck when she befriended the maids, housekeepers and cooks and heard their stories, and eventually put together her book of poetry, "Housekeeping." "I wanted to write about the lore that comes when women are talking as they're doing their housework," said Alvarez.

Aired: | Expires: | Runtime: 2m 52s

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Extras

The true story behind "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents"

Julia Alvarez recounts the day she had to escape from the Dominican Republic with her family.

2:05
How Julia Alvarez brought truth to the Mirabal sisters in her novel "In the Time of the Butterflies"

Julia Alvarez brought the story of the assassination of the Mirabel sisters to life in her novel.

1:29
Julia Alvarez on the female perspective in "In the Time of the Butterflies"

Julia Alvarez wanted to write about dictatorship from a female perspective for her second novel.

2:06
How Julia Alvarez conceived the story for her novel "Afterlife"

"Afterlife" was Julia Alvarez's way of "[giving] voice to that landscape of aging."

1:05
Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames (EAD + OC Trailer)

Preview the story of filmmaker Blake Edwards, known for his comedies like the "Pink Panther" series.

2:37
Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames (ASL Trailer)

Preview the story of filmmaker Blake Edwards, known for his comedies like the "Pink Panther" series.

2:14
Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames (EAD + OC)

Explore the story of filmmaker Blake Edwards, known for his comedies like the "Pink Panther" series.

1:30:00
Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames (ASL)

Explore the story of filmmaker Blake Edwards, known for his comedies like the "Pink Panther" series.

1:23:35
Julia Alvarez: A Life Reimagined

Explore the story of writer Julia Alvarez, who blazed a trail for a generation of Latino authors.

1:58
How Paul Feig discovered directing by watching “The Pink Panther”

Paul Feig discovered directing by watching “The Pink Panther.”

1:16