Caroline Leavitt Discusses Her Novel "Days of Wonder"

In her latest novel, *Days of Wonder*, Caroline Leavitt delves into themes of family, forgiveness, and identity, all woven into a complex murder mystery. Leavitt's inspiration came from a close friend's confession of having committed murder at 15 and her struggle for redemption amidst societal judgment.

Leavitt portrays Ella, a young woman from a broken home, and Jude, a boy from a privileged background. Their tragic love story leads them into a dark situation involving attempted murder, with the aftermath causing drastic changes in their lives. Ella faces a 25-year prison sentence after being unable to remember the details of the crime due to drug use, while Jude escapes legal consequences.

Researching diverse cultures, Leavitt engaged with women in a correctional facility and explored Brooklyn's Orthodox Jewish community, influenced by her mother’s background. She highlighted that the women she interviewed expressed that the worst part of prison was not the violence, but the profound boredom.

Leavitt's personal experiences as an outsider, especially growing up Jewish in a predominantly Christian neighborhood, resonate throughout the novel. She reflects on her own reinventions, from changing her name to finding her voice as an author during public events.

The novel intricately examines forgiveness, illustrating that it is complicated and varies from person to person. Leavitt believes true forgiveness requires acknowledgment of past actions and a commitment to change. While some characters in her book, like Ella, learn to forgive themselves, others may never seek or grant forgiveness, highlighting the nuanced nature of human relationships.