In this Four Eye Books conversation, I speak with writer, poet, and essayist Jose Vadi, a contributor to the short story collection Sacramento Noir. His haunting story Downriver, November 1949 is set along the Sacramento River and explores memory, migration, and what’s been erased—and what remains—in the wake of development. This interview is part of a feature exploring the authors and cultural histories within Sacramento Noir, a collection that sheds light on overlooked stories across the city of Sacramento, California—often called the most diverse city in America.
A Quick Take on the Story
Downriver, November 1949 is quiet and powerful. Vadi captures a sense of unease and mystery that lingers long after the final line. As someone who lives near these landscapes, I found myself deeply moved by his portrayal of the river as both a force of nature and a keeper of memory. The story quietly unearths generational pain tied to place, revealing how history echoes through familiar landscapes. Its emotional core stayed with me.
Watch the Interview
“This conversation dives into the power of regional identity, the silence of history, and how landscapes shape our sense of self.”
🎥 Watch the full conversation with Jose Vadi below.
Why This Conversation Mattered
For me, this conversation was personal. Jose’s story is deeply tied to a place I call home. His words helped me reframe the familiar—from the banks of the Sacramento River to what it means to inherit silence. Our conversation reminded me that memory is as much about what’s felt as what’s said.
Highlights from the Conversation
- Jose shares that he didn’t realize Downriver, November 1949 was a ghost story until the final edit—a realization that reframed the entire narrative for him.
- We explore how silence itself can function as a character, particularly in stories tied to trauma and place.
- Jose reflects on the erasure of Sacramento’s layered history through urban planning and development.
- He shares how the Delta’s still waters and unpredictable shifts mirror generational memory.
Final Reflection
I ended our conversation with a Four Eye Books signature question:
“What do you hope readers carry with them after finishing your story?”
Jose shared:
“That the Delta is still here. That it doesn’t forget. And that our ghosts are closer than we think.”
About the Author / Connect & Support
- Website: https://www.josevadi.com
- Instagram: @vadiparty
- Read more: CHIPPED
Call to Action & Close
Want more interviews like this one? Follow along at www.foureyebooks.com and on Instagram @foureyebooks.
Turn the page, take the trip—what new perspective awaits?
