Clevis Natera spent two decades in corporate America before fully committing herself to life as a writer.

While that story, immigrant daughter foregoing her professional dreams in pursuit of financial

stability for her larger family may seem like well-worn territory, one of the things that makes

Clavis a story so special is how it was grief that motivated her in the direction of pursuing her passion.

The result is a booming writing career. Her debut, Neruda on the park, was critically acclaimed,

and her new second novel, The Grand Paloma Resort,

about a lush tropical paradise,

where the guests enjoy limitless luxury

and the staff are always eager to please,

begs a critical question.

At what price?

Note, our conversation is deeply meaningful.

My favorite part is at the very end

when Clavis questions the value of compartmentalization.

I've been thinking about that a lot since we spoke.

Our conversation also includes references

to domestic violence and sexual abuse.

So listen if and when you are ready.

Okay. and when you are ready. Klavis, thank you so much for being here.

Thank you for having me.

It's such a pleasure to be here with you.

I am fascinated by you for many reasons, but among them is that at the outset of your adult life, you have a vision of your adult life that in no way comes to fruition. You're a person who doesn't want to get married, you get married. You don't want to have kids. You have kids. You want to be a writer, and that is the one thing you don't immediately do. So first tell me how a person who doesn't want to get married ends up married.

...