Ep.26: EDEN McKENZIE-GODDARD

SHOW NOTES

Host Elena Lappin in conversation with novelist Eden Mckenzie-Goddard about his debut novel SMALLIE - a powerful love story and a multigenerational tale of family, loss, and identity. The novel intertwines personal heritage with the political realities faced by Caribbean immigrants in Britain. In this episode, Eden McKenzie-Goddard shares insights into his writing process, the significance of the novel’s title, and the emotional depths of his characters’ journeys.

Copyright: Elena Lappin

Original theme music score copyright: Tom Pooley

Navigating multi-generational stories that reflect the complexities of immigration and identityHow language, music, and personal experiences shape McKenzie-Goddard's storytellingThe role of empathy and emotional truth in portraying characters' inner worldsThe significance of the Windrush scandal in shaping the novel’s political and social themesWriting in multiple first-person voices to deepen character developmentThe creative process and how music influences the author's writing rhythmChallenges of balancing political themes with human storiesTimestamps00:00 - Introduction to Eden Mackenzie Goddard and Smalley01:33 - Eden reads from his novel, exploring themes of discomfort and language05:54 - Discussing the book’s connection with the Windrush scandal and its multi-generational scope08:48 - Film rights and themes of love and anger in the story11:40 - Personal stories of long-distance love and migration13:19 - The novel’s portrayal of unspoken responsibilities and internal conflicts14:17 - Exploring multiple narrative voices and character depth in Smalley17:35 - The importance of empathy in storytelling and understanding family pain20:12 - The immigrant experience and feeling of abandonment within families22:10 - Character complexity, especially Lucinda, and her struggles with language and identity24:46 - The theme of rebellion and the search for freedom through Lucinda’s journey26:08 - The impact of language and how it shapes self-perception and authenticity33:00 - The theme of aloneness and isolation within immigrant narratives36:05 - Addressing political issues through human stories, focusing on the Windrush scandal42:16 - The evolution of the story and Mc-Kenzie-Goddard's creative process over years44:14 - The creative milestone of writing the final scene and the story’s life force46:00 - Vision of SMALLIE adapted to film, highlighting visual storytelling

Resources & LinksSMALLIE by Eden Mackenzie Goddard (s