Name: Video: Talking Volumes: Dani Shapiro on 'Signal Fires'
Description: Dani Shapiro talks with Kerri Miller for Talking Volume on Oct. 28 about her book, “Signal Fires,” and what she’s learned about family secrets.

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Dani Shapiro knows a thing or two about family secrets. 

Her early novels center around identity and family history. Her 2019 memoir, “

,” beautifully chronicles what happened after she discovered, at age 54, that the man she considers her dad was not her biological father. 

That discovery spawned a popular podcast that just kicked off its eighth season, “

,” which features guests who’ve also stumbled across a family secret.  

So it naturally flows that her new novel, “

This time, a secret both bonds and cripples an entire family. Shapiro skillfully follows the Wilf’s outward success and inward disintegration as she hops through time, playing with ideas of change, shame, grief and interconnectedness.

Those same themes anchor the discussion she and MPR News host Kerri Miller had at Talking Volumes. Shapiro was on stage at the Fitzgerald Theater on Oct. 28 for a thoughtful and insightful conversation about regret, shame, seasons of life — and how she has become a beacon for secrets of all kinds. 

Also on stage for this third Talking Volumes event: musical guest 

To listen to a lightly edited version of the Talking Volumes conversation, use the audio player above. You can also watch the full event via the embedded video, or look for it on YouTube.

Subscribe to the MPR News with Kerri Miller podcast on 

for the latest book and author news and must-read recommendations.

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Author

“Signal Fires” is Dani Shapiro’s much-anticipated return to fiction, and it examines how what binds families together can also tear them apart. She appeared on the Talking Volumes stage this month to talk with MPR News host Kerri Miller about her book and what she’s learned about family secrets. 

“Signal Fires” is Dani Shaprio’s much-anticipated return to fiction, and it examines how, what binds families together can also tear them apart. She appeared on the Talking Volumes stage this month to talk with MPR News host Kerri Miller about her book and what she’s learned about family secrets.

Talking Volumes: Dani Shapiro on 'Signal Fires'

Two women sit on a stage during an interview

Talking Volumes: Dani Shapiro on 'Signal Fires'

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