Asha Lemmie shares her inspiration for writing her novel "Fifty Words For Rain"

Albany, N.Y. (Sept. 4, 2022)- The NYS Writers Institute will host a conversation with Asha Lemmie on Tuesday to discuss her novel Fifty Words for Rain at UAlbany's multi-purpose room. The event will start off with a craft talk and a conversation with the author at 7:30pm.

 

Lemmie's novel, Fifty Words for Rain, which was published in 2020, details the story about a biracial woman named Noriko "Nori" Kamiza and her life in Japan after World War II. Noriko "Nori" Kamiza is the love child between a married Japanese aristocrat and her African American GI lover. The book touches upon the topic of racism and showcases how the character, “Nori” has to deal with the effects of racism. She struggles to accept herself and her identity as a biracial woman.

 

 

In an interview with Good Morning America, the 26-year old author also discussed how the novel discusses the love between Nori and her half-sibling Akira.

 

“I really wanted to tell a story about a girl who blossoms in isolation despite the fact that she really doesn’t have anywhere to grow into,” she said. “And luckily when her half-brother Akira comes along, he really opens up her world.”

 

 

In the GMA interview, Asha Lemmie also shared some valuable advice for aspiring writers who are interested in publishing a book one day. “Just keep reading and if you find a story that you want to read and you can’t find it, write it yourself” she said.

​

The book has become a New York Times bestseller and has received critically acclaimed reviews from many authors. In a New York Times review, author Elisabeth Egan praised Asha Lemmie's novel. “Asha Lemmie’s sprawling, thought-provoking debut novel…. will give you 50 reasons to cancel the rest of your day," she said.

 

 

To learn more information about the novel or to purchase a copy, you can check out more on her website.

​

​

​