Journalist Uses Novel Idea for Book
SabbaticalHomes.com member Rachel Louise Snyder, in her book Fugitive Denim, examines the idea of sweatshop-free manufacturing, particularly in the production of denim jeans.
Her book is often referred to as the first character-driven approach to a study of the industry. “When it came time to write the trade stuff, if I started to nod off, I know it was time to get back to the stories, narratively speaking,” explains Snyder. “I wanted it to be a book about how all these lives in all these countries–Bono in Ireland, garment workers in Cambodia, denim designers in Italy, auditors in China, are all connected to one another in very tangible ways.”
The four-year project involved long stays in different countries from following denim designers in Italy to cotton pickers in Azerbaijan to get to the heart of her story which is really one about globalization. To develop her characters, she had to be a part of their communities. “The key is to hang around for so long people forget you’re there; then they show you their vulnerabilities and strengths,” said Snyder.
Snyder has just finished her second book, a novel called “What We’ve Lost is Nothing.” She also hosts a show on National Public Radio called Latitudes. She is mulling over ideas for a third book, deciding between fiction and journalism.
She came upon SabbaticalHomes.com through what she calls “that great beast of contemporary lifestyle: google.” She and her family have a house swap planned for this summer. “I’m also eying a house in Bali,” says Snyder.
“What I love about SabbaticalHomes.com is that if offers such supreme flexibility. You just have to find your match,” said Snyder.
Travel, Writing and Finding a Home Away From Home
When we first interviewed Snyder, she told us she had discovered SabbaticalHomes while searching online for flexible housing and home exchange possibilities for her family.
She appreciated that finding the right home exchange could make it possible to spend meaningful time somewhere new — something particularly valuable for a journalist and author whose work has taken her around the world.
Extended stays allow writers, researchers and academics to experience places differently than they might during a short visit. For Snyder, spending time within communities has been an important part of understanding the people whose stories she tells.
We love looking back at the accomplishments of longtime SabbaticalHomes members. Rachel Louise Snyder’s journey from the international reporting behind Fugitive Denim to award-winning journalism, memoir and teaching is a wonderful example of how much can happen in the years after we first share a member’s story.
by Sara Pritzkat
Let us know what you think! Connect with us on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest.