Examining the life and views of Felix Frankfurter, a justice who served the Supreme Court from 1939 to 1962. An advocate for narrow decisions and democratic process deference, Frankfurter's vision is discussed in context of current political climate. The podcast also features an in-depth analysis of Brad Snyder's book, 'Democratic Justice, Felix Frankfurter, the Supreme Court, and the Making of the Liberal Establishment', providing remarkable insights into Frankfurter's personal experiences and his contribution to the liberal establishment.

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

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

In this episode of our podcast, we explore Abdul Razak Gurnah's powerful 10th novel, 'Afterlives.' Set in the backdrop of colonial Africa, it's a poignant tale of Afia, an orphan, her brother Ilyas, and Hamza, an ex-soldier. Gurnah masterfully intertwines individual lives with the grand narrative of European Imperialism, racism, and native resistance. Griped by the complexities of survival, ambition, and love, the characters resonate with the reader long after the book is closed. Join us as we delve into this profound narrative teetering between love stories and historical tragedies.

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

This episode delves deep into the critique of the American healthcare system drawn from Anna DeForest's novel, 'A History of Present Illness'. It gives a brutally honest insight into medical training, examining the social structure and attitudes within hospitals. It also explores America's growing opioid crisis and outlines Beth Macy's solutions in her latest work, 'Raising Lazarus'.

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

This podcast delves deep into Mohsin Hamid's latest novel, 'The Last White Man,' examining the author's intriguing approach to racial constructs and the traditional narrative form. With a surreal plot revolving around 'whiteness' being transformed into 'brownness,' Hamid explores deep societal constructs and destabilizes conventional notions of fiction. This analysis includes a study of Hamid's previous works, his ability to captivate readers, and his evolution towards more straightforward storytelling, with a focus on avoiding dramatic tension and conflicts, thereby pushing the boundaries of literary norms.

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

In this episode, we delve into the captivating worlds of celebrated authors George Dawes Green and Jennifer Hillier. We explore Green's unique book 'The Kingdoms of Savannah', where history intertwines with modernity and the old clings to the new. This southern mystery is far from sweet, as the rot of the city runs deep. Then, we turn to the pages of 'Things We Do in the Dark' by Jennifer Hillier, showcasing the author's keen ability to fashion complex characters and enjoyable writing. Despite the predictability, the book surprises with its thrilling ride.