Wendy Chin-Tanner

Wendy Chin-Tanner, novelist whose King of the Armadillos draws on her father’s time at Carville. She shares the institution’s surprising community life. People made music, ran a newspaper, staged Mardi Gras parties, and organized against harsh rules. Stories cover arrival routines, secrecy and name changes, reasons some stayed after recovery, and a family’s return decades later.

Wendy Chin-Tanner, author and sociologist, shares insights from her novel, King of the Armadillos, which draws from her father's experiences with Hansen's disease. The discussion touches on the stigma of leprosy, the vibrant community formed in Carville, and how personal histories shape narratives. Wendy highlights the complexities of illness, advocacy, and resilience against societal fears, weaving a heartfelt tale of connection and memory through her creative process. Tune in for an inspiring journey through forgotten public health history.