In this episode we talk about the historical context of Anthony Marra's The Tsar of Love and Techno. Sam begins by giving us a history lesson. We then try to apply this book to current events. James has a love affair with the word 'tenuous'. We end by ruminating over what themes make this novel work as a work of literature. Enjoy!

 

What is the historical context of the book? (1:15)  Is the historical context necessary? (6:05)  Does this book actually engage with history or is the historical events just window dressing? (11:00)  Is removing a confederate statue similar to the censoring that the book depicts about Soviet purges? (16:30)  Is Marra saying something about truth?  Or perhaps something about art? Or community? (20:50)

 

For this series, we will read and discuss three novels-in-stories: Jennifer Egan's A Visit from the Goon Squad Mar 25 - Apr 8, Ali Smith's There But For The Apr 15- 29, and Anthony Marra's The Tsar of Love and Techno May 6 - 20.

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