TMR 15.4: ”Marxist Hells Angel” [VERNON SUBUTEX]

Translator Katie Whittemore (Four by Four, The Communist's Daughter, World's Best Mother, Last Words on Earth) joins Chad and Brian to talk about the horrible actions of Patrice, and whether he could be redeemed, about childbirth, about Aïcha and Hyena, and about Disney. Funny and cutting, this episode explores the book's tensions and MacGuffin, the narrative arcs being set up for the various characters, and why character studies can be so fulfilling to read.

Katie also was given the honor of choosing the book for the sixteenth season of the TMR, kicking off in September. Tune in if you want to find out what we'll be reading post-trilogy.

Please ignore all of the technical difficulties, but definitely get in touch if you'd like to rent Katie's writer's space outside of Valencia, Spain.

This week's music is "100%" by Sonic Youth.

If you'd prefer to watch the conversation, you can find it on YouTube along with all our past episodes. You can join us next week when we discuss all of volume one with Frank Wynne and ask questions, make comments, or correct inaccurate statements. Here's where you can find the complete reading schedule.

Follow Open Letter, Chad Post, and Brian Wood for random thoughts and information about upcoming guests.

Be sure to order Brian's book, Joytime Killbox, which is now officially available at better bookstores everywhere thanks to BOA Editions.

You can also support this podcast and all of Open Letter's activities by making a tax-deductible donation through the University of Rochester.