Phil Klay joins us on the podcast to talk about his essay, “Tales of War and Redemption,” in our Winter issue. It’s an essay that starts on a humorous note, describing the horrible, ridiculously gory deaths of the Christian saints in The Big Book of Martyrs—a comic book for kids. And then he reminds you that he’s been in war, and he’s seen horrible deaths, and horrible suffering. What follows is a beautiful, moving look at suffering, not as sacrifice or cynical constant, but as a reminder of its inverse: joy, of a life lived, or one snuffed out.

Visit the episode page for Phil Klay’s recommendations of writers to read after listening.

Go beyond the episode:

• Phil Klay’s “Tales of War and Redemption”
• Photos from his own deployment, released while he was a public affairs officer serving in Iraq
• Want more joy? Read Christian Wiman’s essay, “Still Wilderness,” a meditation on a feeling (and poetry, and faith, and …)

Tune in every two weeks to catch interviews with the liveliest voices from literature, the arts, sciences, history, and public affairs; reports on cutting-edge works in progress; long-form narratives; and compelling excerpts from new books. Hosted by Stephanie Bastek.

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