Darkly funny debut novel navigates a "New Normal"

By Sheilah Kast,

Published May 2, 2023 at 10:05 AM EDT

Michelle Paris … who at age 42 was suddenly widowed. It wasn’t just the waves of grief -- but dating apps! compressive underwear to look good! A new pet! It all shows up in her darkly funny novel New Normal. Credit: Provided by the author

At age 42, Michelle Paris was plunged into a role she’d never imagined: she became a widow. The grief and disorientation knocked her for a loop, but she found a path forward and now has written a darkly funny novel about a widow much like her. We talk with her about her debut novel, New Normal.

Links: Speaking event 5.6.23 at Ellicott City Barnes and Noble.

Tags

Sheilah Kast

Sheilah Kast is the host of On The Record, Monday-Friday, 9:30-10:00 am.

See stories by Sheilah Kast

Melissa Gerr

Melissa Gerr is a Senior Producer for On the Record. She started in public media at Twin Cities Public Television in St. Paul, Minn., where she is from, and then worked as a field producer for Oregon Public Broadcasting in Portland. She made the jump to audio-lover in Baltimore as a digital media editor at Mid-Atlantic Media and Laureate Education, Inc. and as a field producer for "Out of the Blocks." Her beat is typically the off-beat with an emphasis on science, culture and things that make you say, 'Wait, what?'

See stories by Melissa Gerr

Sam Bermas-Dawes

Sam Bermas-Dawes is a producer for Midday.

See stories by Sam Bermas-Dawes