120: Natalie Gregory on Grief, History and Mother, Ghost, Mango Seed | Reading Is Political

In this episode I'm joined by debut author Natalie Gregory, whose novel was born from personal loss and years of research into one of Thailand's most overlooked historical events: the 1976 Thammasat University Massacre.We discuss how the death of Natalie's own mother inspired the novel, why difficult histories matter, and how family stories can preserve memories that nations sometimes choose to forget. Natalie also talks about growing up between cultures, writing ghosts into the novel as an expression of Thai spirituality, and the eight-year journey to publication after winning the Primadonna Prize.As part of my Reading Is Political series, Natalie also recommends five brilliant books exploring history, empire, race, class and political memory, before sharing the comfort reads she always returns to.Natalie's InstagramBuy Mother, Ghost, Mango SeedNatalie's book recommendationsMoments of Silence: The Unforgetting of the October 6, 1976, Massacre in Bangkok — Thongchai WinichakulEmpireland — Sathnam SangheraGirl, Woman, Other — Bernardine EvaristoMinority Rule — Ash SarkarShuggie Bain — Douglas StuartAgatha ChristieJane AustenHis Dark Materials — Philip Pullman