This New York Times Book Review podcast dives into 'The Singularities,' the latest novel from renowned Irish novelist, John Banville. By exploring Banville's distinct writing style, influences, literary allusions, and the philosophical depth contained within his work, we offer listeners an insightful overview of the novel. The discussion brings to light Banville's consistent emphasis on representation, his seamless blend of reality and fiction and the intricate links between 'The Singularities' and Banville's past works. Perfect for those interested in a deep dive analysis into one of the modern literary world's unique voices.

Audio formatted version of the New York Times Book Review, weekly.

Unravel the chilling, true narrative of an unsettled frontier town named Springfield, Massachusetts, during the 1600s. With the backdrop of colonization, a witchcraft accusation disrupts the town's quiet existence, plaguing it with fear and suspicion. Malcolm Gaskill meticulously recreates the era, from economic hardships and volatile tensions, to the eventual deterioration of societal bonds. The podcast dives deep into the lives of individuals caught in this whirlpool of fear and scrutiny, painting a vivid portrait of man's struggles against both nature and unseen supernatural forces.

In this episode of the New York Times Book Review podcast, Nora Ami reviews Andy Davidson's horror novel 'The Hollow Kind', and E.M. Tran's debut, 'Daughters of the New Year'. 'The Hollow Kind', set in 1989 Georgia, explores themes of legacy, greed, and the tension of unseen malevolence. 'Daughters of the New Year', set in 2016 New Orleans, revolves around second-generation immigrant sisters balancing their American lives with their heritage. Both novels confront generational curses and how the past inexorably influences the present.

Audio formatted version of the New York Times Book Review, weekly.

Audio formatted version of the New York Times Book Review, weekly.

In the podcast, Nora Ami reviews Elizabeth McCracken's novel 'The Hero of this Book' that effortlessly blurs the lines between memoir and fiction, beautifully capturing the complex relationship between a daughter and her recently deceased mother. Also reviewed is Lydia Millett's thirteenth novel, 'Dinosaurs', a tale about a rich, emotionally numbed man seeking renewal across the American landscape.

Audio formatted version of the New York Times Book Review, weekly.

Join Nora Ami in this episode of the New York Times Book Review podcast as she reviews Ruben de Galado's novel 'The Family is Cuerto'. Set in the Texas Borderlands, the story transcends typical narratives of the region with its exploration of family struggles, intergenerational curses, and Tejano traditions. The podcast examines the book's distinct melding of real-world issues and magic, its complex depiction of family dynamics, and the unique linguistic features enriching the novel's narrative. This review also dissects the question: how much of life's challenges is due to a curse, and how much is self-inflicted or simply, bad luck?

In this episode, Nora Ami explores dystopian literature with a particular focus on Celeste Ng's novel 'Our Missing Hearts'. The story reflects a dystopian America under the PACT Act, a Chinese-American protagonist in search of his fugitive mother, and the power of words in repressive regimes. The podcast weaves in contemporary issues such as political scapegoating, racial violence, and the struggle for freedom of speech, touching on iconic incidents including the death of George Floyd. The discussion underscores the power of storytelling and the persistent memory that resonates in the direst of situations.