Oprah Winfrey’s famous voice failed her recently.
When she called Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Russo to share the good news that his 2007 book Bridge of Sighs had been selected for Oprah’s Book Club this month, Russo didn’t recognize who was on the line.
The club’s official Instagram shared a video Wednesday of the media mogul giving Russo the kind of call that authors dream of, the kind that catapults a title onto the best-sellers list overnight.
Of course, Russo’s book was already a bestseller when it was released, but that didn’t seem to have anything to do with why he hadn’t recognized her. And he seemed to be appreciative of her kind words, even if he didn’t realize that the caller is one of the more powerful people in publishing.
Russo somehow missed the part early on in their exchange when she said it was “Oprah Winfrey calling.”
“I’m calling to tell you that I’ve loved your work since Empire Falls,” she said of the 2001 novel that won the Pulitzer. “I just recently came across Bridge of Sighs. And I loved it so much! So anyway, we’re gonna choose it for Book Club this summer. I would be delighted to have a conversation with you about it.”
The former talk show host explained that there would be an event in which they discussed the book — which she’s described as a story of “romance” and “epic family drama” — as well.
Russo, who’s written more than a dozen books, appeared to be as happy as if anyone else had said this to him.
“Well, that’s wonderful!” he answered. “Anytime anyone compliments me on that book, since it doesn’t happen very often, I’m always delighted to hear it.”
Five more minutes went by, according to her official Instagram account.
Sign up for Entertainment Weekly‘s free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.
At the end of the conversation, Russo thanked the person he was speaking with and said, “And I missed your name.”
“It’s Oprah,” the Emmy winner answered. “Oprah Winfrey.”
He understood then.
“Oprah?” Russo said before chuckling. “I’m so embarrassed.”
She was asking aloud if she hadn’t said her name — she did — and then she told him not to be embarrassed.
Russo was able to collect himself: “I will really look forward to this.”
Watch Russo’s eventual conversation about the book with Oprah above.
