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An Emotional Journey

Leslie A. Rasmussen Author Interview

The Stories We Cannot Tell follows two pregnant women who are forced to make difficult choices in life and the bond they form as they navigate this point in their life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Getting pregnant and staying pregnant is such an emotional journey for a lot of women. I wrote this book so hopefully, women going through infertility or making a choice not to continue a pregnancy will feel less shame than society has made them feel. I didn’t have an easy time getting pregnant, and I had many friends going through hell to have a child and not a lot of these women shared their stories. I wrote this book before Roe Vs. Wade was overturned, something I never thought was a possibility in our country. I’m hoping the readers, no matter what their views on this topic are, realize that what’s right for them, may not be right for everyone, and having compassion and empathy is all most women in these situations want.

Was the character’s backstory something you always had, or did it develop as you were writing?

I had written a lot of the backstory for each of the women before I started writing the book. I wanted to get to know their quirks and personalities ahead of time, so I could incorporate them into who they are and the individual journey that they were going through. That being said, there were things that came out in the dialogue or in their stories as the writing of the book went on.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

The themes that were important for me to explore were friendship, loss, love, family, and hope. I also wanted to explore how a woman views her pregnancy issues differently than a male partner, and when something happens to the baby, how his pain is just as genuine, but he may express it in a different way.

What is the next book you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?

I’m just beginning my next book so I’m not sure yet when it will be out. It’s the story of three sisters who go on a journey together to figure out what happened to their mother and end up finding things about their past they never knew.

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Rachel is a thirty-year-old married Jewish woman who has wanted a baby for a long time. Katie’s a thirty-two-year-old single, Catholic woman who has been trying to find a man who will stick around. We follow the women individually as they find themselves pregnant–Rachel happily, Katie, not. As they enter their second trimester, they’re shocked to hear that there’s something very wrong with the babies they are carrying. Rachel and Katie meet in a support group and bond as they help each other through not only an excruciating decision but through the issues that come with making that decision. The Stories We Cannot Tell explores friendship, loss, love, hope, and family.

The Stories We Cannot Tell

The Stories We Cannot Tell by Leslie Rasmussen is a profound exploration of the intricate decisions surrounding pregnancy, delving into the lives of two women who stand on opposing ends of a deeply personal spectrum.

Rachel, a content school teacher with a fulfilling marriage, eagerly awaits motherhood, a stark contrast to Kate, who is unmarried and has no immediate plans for children. Kate’s professional life in a fertility clinic interestingly intertwines with Rachel’s quest to become a mother—a connection that initially goes unnoticed by both. As they each continue to live their separate lives, fate conspires to unite them in an unexpected and everlasting bond.

Rasmussen navigates the complex terrain of wanted and unwanted pregnancies with remarkable skill, providing a much-needed perspective on the subject. Through the eyes of Rachel and Kate, the author offers an honest portrayal of the choices and dilemmas that women face in various situations. The narrative gracefully illustrates how each woman must grapple with and ultimately reconcile their decisions, reflecting a reality that resonates with many readers.

The characters are meticulously crafted, making readers feel deeply empathetic toward them. Rasmussen’s masterful storytelling invites us to see ourselves in the characters, regardless of our personal experiences or beliefs. It prompts us to reflect on the universal truths about human choice, connection, and resilience.

One of the notable aspects of the story is the unveiling of a life-changing secret towards the end. While this revelation adds a dramatic twist, some readers may find that the resolution happens rather quickly, potentially overshadowing the complex emotions that would naturally arise in a real-life situation. However, this choice also adds a sense of urgency and excitement to the conclusion, keeping the reader engaged and offering a thought-provoking perspective on how individuals might react to profound changes in their lives. It’s a testament to the author’s creativity and willingness to explore uncharted emotional territory.

In The Stories We Cannot Tell, Leslie Rasmussen has woven a thoughtful and engaging tale, offering a valuable contribution to contemporary literature. This book is not merely a story; it is an invitation to a broader conversation—one that deserves attention and contemplation.

Pages: 297 | ASIN : B0BXY4BS4L

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