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An investigative podcast hosted by world-renowned literary critic and publishing insider Bethanne Patrick. Book bans are on the rise across America. With the rise of social media, book publishers are losing their power as the industry gatekeepers. More and more celebrities and influencers are publishing books with ghostwriters. Writing communities are splintering because members are at cross purposes about their mission. Missing Pages is an investigative podcast about the book publishing ind ...
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What does success mean when you've spent your life running away rather than running towards something? Marcia Hutchinson's journey from a challenging childhood in Bradford to acclaimed debut novelist offers profound insights into resilience, creativity, and learning to celebrate life's achievements.
As Marcia Hutchinson celebrates her recognition as one of the Observer's debut novelists to watch in 2025 alongside the publication of "The Mercy Step," she's learning to run towards joy rather than away from pain. Her story reminds us that sometimes our most painful experiences can become the source of our greatest strengths.
Bradford, December 1962.
A precocious Mercy makes her reluctant entrance into the world, torn from the warm embrace of her mother’s womb, to a chaotic household that seems to have no place for her. Her siblings do not understand her, her mother’s attention is given to the Church, and the entire family lives at the whims of her father’s quick temper.
Left to herself, Mercy finds solace in books, her imagination, and the quiet comfort of her faithful toy, Dolly. But escapism has its limits, and as the grip of family, faith and fear threatens to close in, Mercy learns she must act if she wants a different future; one where she is seen, heard, and her family set free.
The Mercy Step is a sharply-witted and tender portrait of a young girl’s quiet rebellion, and her refusal to be broken.
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Chapters
1. Introducing Marcia Hutchinson (00:00:00)
2. Battling Racism and Educational Barriers (00:06:49)
3. Moving from Running Away to Running Towards (00:15:36)
4. Writing 'The Mercy Step' Through Tears (00:27:54)
5. Childhood Trauma and Finding Safety (00:36:10)
6. Learning to Celebrate Achievements (00:47:50)
7. Debut Novel and Final Reflections (00:55:29)
147 episodes
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