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Revisiting Annie Hartnett on 'The Road to Tender Hearts'

Annie Hartnett is the author of "The Road to Tender Hearts"
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Annie Hartnett is the author of "The Road to Tender Hearts"

Annie Hartnett’s new novel, The Road to Tender Hearts is difficult to categorize.

It’s probably best described as a dark comedy with a touch of magical realism. It’s definitely one of a kind. The story follows sixty something PJ on a journey west to reunite with his old high school flame, and along the way he’s unexpectedly joined by his brother’s grandchildren, his own grown daughter, and a cat that predicts death.

And there’s certainly a lot of death.

I recently spoke with Annie Hartnett about the inspiration behind the book and her unique voice that blends the true-to-life issues of loss and pain with a hint of magic. Since this book does have so much going on, I asked her to kick us off with the book’s elevator pitch.

The Road to Tender Hearts, by Annie Hartnett was published by Ballantine.

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Editors: Lu Anne Stephens & Haley Crowson
Producer: Haley Crowson
Theme Music: Torin Andersen
Host: Beth Golay

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Beth Golay is KMUW's Director of Marketing and Digital Content. She is the host of the KMUW podcast Marginalia, co-host with Suzanne Perez of the Books & Whatnot podcast, creator of the podcast You're Saying It Wrong, creator of KMUW's daily news podcast Wichita's Early Edition, and NPR StoryLab Workshop team member on the award-winning podcast My Fellow Kansans.