From a broken life to a broken nail, ‘trauma’ has been bleached by overuse. But it names something real – and must be reclaimed

What happens when a parent leaves not just their family, but the entire world they once knew? In this episode, I talk with author and memoirist Lily Dunn about her powerful memoir Sins of My Father (https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/sins-of-my-father-a-daughter-a-cult-a-wild-unravelling-lily-dunn/6264181?ean=9781474623292) . When Lily was six years old, her father abandoned the family to join a spiritual movement that would shape the course of both his life and hers. We discuss the lasting effects of childhood abandonment, the allure of cults and alternative communities, the complicated nature of love and forgiveness, and why understanding our parents doesn't always mean excusing them. Lily also shares insights into the craft of memoir writing, including how to write honestly about family, navigate difficult memories, and transform personal experiences into stories that resonate with others. Whether you're interested in family dynamics, personal growth, or the art of storytelling, this is a fascinating conversation about making sense of the past and finding meaning in the stories we tell ourselves. Highlights from our conversation: • Why Lily's father left his family to join a spiritual commune • The hidden effects of childhood abandonment • Boarding school syndrome and its lifelong impact • How cults attract people searching for belonging • The difference between understanding and forgiving • What makes a compelling memoir • Why everyone may have a story worth telling • The ethics of writing about family and personal history Lily's links: https://lilydunn.co.uk/ Books - https://lilydunn.co.uk/books/ Substack - https://lilydunn.substack.com/ Writing Courses - https://www.londonlitlab.co.uk/ Question or comment? Send us a text message. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/856252/fan_mail/new) www.undercurrentstories.com

Podcast Episode · Undercurrent Stories · 19 June · 46min

Dig deep into writing memoir, with host Victoria Bennett, & guest authors Elissa Altman, Lily Dunn, Catherine Simpson, and Susanna Crossman

As AI’s endless clichés continue to encroach on human art, the true uniqueness of our creativity is becoming ever clearer

I am an incurable memoir addict. I love reading it, teaching it, and writing it. Here you will find stories from a life, but you will also learn how to write it, and how memoir can be transformative b...