By understanding other regions, while questioning one’s own culture and national beliefs, Hansen blends memoir with cultural criticism, ultimately challenging readers to reflect on a diverse global picture. Life From Itself encapsulates the greater transformation of nations like Turkey, highlighting westernization in the globalized world. Through personal stories and political analysis, Hansen demonstrates how living under Erdoğan reshaped her perspective.

Suzy Hansen lived in Istanbul for more than a decade, where she was a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine and many other publications. Her first book, Notes on a Foreign Country, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Nonfiction and the winner of the Overseas Press Club of America’s Cornelius Ryan Award. She has taught writing at Princeton University, New York University, and Bard College.

Join us on May 20, 2026 at The Slover (6th floor) as we close our 2025-2026 Distinguished Speakers Series. The lecture begins at 7pm with a Q&A session and our annual membership meeting to follow.