Moms Don't Have Time To Read Books | Podcast with Guest Griffin Dunne

Griffin Dunne author of The Friday Afternoon Club
In this episode of "Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books," hosted by Zibby Owens, the guest is Griffin Dunne, who discusses his family memoir, "The Friday Afternoon Club." The conversation delves into Dunne's decision to write the memoir, spurred by his agent who had been encouraging him for over a decade. Dunne had been collecting stories about his life in New York and Los Angeles and his family's intriguing and scandalous history. The memoir, which took less than two years to complete, flowed naturally for Dunne, who felt a deep obsession with the project, often writing during breaks while acting.
Dunne's memoir is divided into two sections. The first focuses on his career and family, detailing his coming of age and the complex dynamics within his family. The second part centers on the trial following the tragic murder of his sister, Dominique Dunne. Dunne talks about structuring the memoir chronologically, inspired by his editor, which allowed him to tell a coherent and compelling narrative from his ancestors' experiences to his own life.
One poignant aspect of the memoir is Dunne's relationship with his brother Alex, who struggled with mental illness. Dunne recounts a harrowing experience where he had to sign his brother into a psychiatric ward, a moment filled with guilt and emotional turmoil. He emphasizes the importance of writing from a place of love, a principle he followed while portraying his family members in the memoir.
The episode also touches on Dunne's interactions with celebrities, including his close friendship with Carrie Fisher. He shares a touching anecdote about Fisher, reflecting on their last conversation and the profound impact she had on his life. Dunne's reflections on his father, who was obsessed with fame and social status, add depth to the memoir, revealing how his father's values influenced and sometimes conflicted with Dunne's own views on masculinity and success.
Takeaways:
The Power of Writing from Love: Dunne emphasizes the importance of portraying loved ones with compassion and understanding, even when recounting difficult experiences.
Chronological Storytelling: Organizing the memoir chronologically helped Dunne create a coherent and compelling narrative, from his ancestors' history to his own life events.
Balancing Tragedy and Humor: Dunne's memoir skillfully balances the dark moments of his family's history, such as his sister's murder, with lighter, humorous anecdotes from his life.
Overcoming Personal Demons: The memoir highlights Dunne's journey through his own struggles and his family's challenges, showcasing resilience and the importance of facing personal and familial demons.