Trying to Get Free (with Bsrat Mezghebe)

In this episode, we interview author Bsrat Mezghebe about her debut novel, I Hope You Find What You’re Looking For. Bsrat describes her approach to connecting the 10,000-foot view of society with everyday human life and explains the novel as a story about Eritrean women seeking freedom in the DC suburbs on the eve of Eritrean independence in 1991. We discuss the Eritrean War for Independence, diaspora, and the moral complexity of revolutionary choices. Bsrat reflects on writing about liberation across shifting American politics. 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 00:35 Meet Bsrat Mezghebe 02:07 Debut Novel Overview 03:05 Characters and Structure 04:25 What Readers Take Away 05:37 Writing Liberation in America 12:06 Staying Grounded 13:50 What She Reads Now 14:50 Next Projects and Nonfiction 15:52 Fiction Versus Nonfiction 17:21 Advice for Community Impact 19:08 Social Media and Focus 20:31 Where to Find Bsrat 21:09 Closing and Call to Action Bsrat’s Book I Hope You Find What You’re Looking For Other Books Mentioned Toni at Random: The Iconic Writer’s Legendary Editorship by Dana A. Williams The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson Where to find Bsrat bmezghebe.com Instagram Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.