This 2016 novel explores sci-fi and horror in the 1950s from the perspective of an African-American family already accustomed to prejudice and dread. We have an uncomfortable conversation about how it addresses H.P. Lovecraft's racism and the question of whether a white author should tell stories about the black experience.

Interested in the media we discussed this episode? Please support the show by purchasing it through our affiliate store:

• Lovecraft Country

Additional Resources:

• Matt Ruff's "Lovecraft Country," where the horror is racism (not racist)
• The Big Idea: Matt Ruff
• Shadows Over America: Matt Ruff and Victor LaValle Take on Lovecraft and Race
• Talking with Matt Ruff about science fiction's racist past
• Cthulhu Gon' Slay: Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff
• Real-world and mythical terrors get equal billing in Lovecraft Country