Unburied Books

In this enlightening conversation, we talk to scholar Dan Sinykin about his book Big Fiction, which details the rise of conglomeration in American publishing and its impact on the kind of fiction that gets written, released, and acclaimed. We were delighted to hear his insights into the founding of the New York Review of Books, Renata Adler and Elizabeth Hardwick's use of autofiction, and the current spate of literature in translation. To listen to the full episode, head over to our Patreon page and subscribe: patreon.com/user?u=84429384

Poet Diane Mehta joins us to discuss Dante's Inferno translated by Ciaran Carson. We talk about our guest's ongoing Dante project, the multiple levels the text works on, and how, in the Florentine's view, the greatest sins stem from a lack of love. We recently launched a Patreon featuring two exclusive bonus episodes a month! Check out our three patron tiers (Minor Work, Instant Classic, and Magnus Opus) here. And be sure to grab Tiny Extravaganzas (we especially love "Shredder") and read more about our guest's work here.

Returning guest Michael Barron joins us to discuss Roberto Bolaño's "curio" published near the end of his life. We talk about Bolaño's universe, his unromantic youth, and why this is the only book that doesn't embarrass him. To hear the full episode, head over to our Patreon page and subscribe: patreon.com/user?u=84429384

In this taster for the Patreon, Dylan and Kassia compete to draft their four favorite books covered on the show thus far. If you're interested in more lighthearted episodes like this, please consider trying out a subscription here: patreon.com/user?u=84429384

Writer Esther Allen joins us to discuss her translation of Antonio di Benedetto's Zama, an Argentine existential novel originally published 1956. We discuss the intricacies of translation, the author's repudiation of the idea of a historical novel, and Lucrecia Martel's 2017 film adaptation of the story. Listeners unfamiliar with the plot may want to read the book (and watch the movie) before tuning in. References: Burton PikeThe Man Without Qualities by Robert MusilJorge Luis BorgesJulio CortázarThe SilentiaryThe SuicidesCésar AiraRoberto BolañoThe Sound of MusicWerner HerzogAguirre, the Wrath of God"Sensini" by BolañoGuido BoggianiCanaan MorsePeach Blossom ParadiseWaiting for GodotSamuel BeckettDaisy RockwellBenjamin KunkelIn a Lonely Place"Benito Cereno" by Herman MelvilleJuan José SaerFederico FelliniRoberto Bolaño's Fiction: An Expanding Universe by Chris Andrews Find us on Twitter or Instagram.

Writer and editor Michael Barron joins us to share this short story collection from Julio Ramón Ribeyro. We discuss issues of class, the stereotyping of Latin American literature, and what it means to be "speechless." This book is one to be shared. Pass it on. Read more about our guest's work here. References:Alejandro ZambraGabriel García MárquezJorge Luis BorgesFranz KafkaJulio CortázarMario Vargas LlosaThe Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di LampedusaKatherine SilverCalvin and HobbesTár Find us on Twitter or Instagram, and click here to view our most up-to-date episode schedule.

Author James Kelman joins us to discuss James Hogg's The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner, originally published in 1824. It tells the story of a staunch Calvininst who is lured into a killing spree by a mysterious, shapeshifting being. We discuss the novel's unusual structure, moral ambiguity, and mixture of genres. Kelman offers historical insight into the book's philospophy and places the work in a modern, international context. References:Andre GideFranz KafkaThe Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides by James Boswell and Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland by Samuel JohnsonThe Collected Letters of James HoggThe Brownie of BodsbeckJohn BrownWilliam BlakeEdgar Allan PoeRobert Louis StevensonDracula by Bram StokerSamuel BeckettThe CastleThe TrialPeggotty in David Copperfield by Charles DickensImmanuel KantDavid HumeAdam SmithFrancis HutchinsonJames Clerk MaxwellHegelKarl MarxSoren KierkegaardRene DecartesFrankenstein by Mary ShelleyBlackwood's MagazineLudwig WittgensteinFrancisco GoyaWilliam WordsworthStrange Case of Dr Jekyl and Mr HydeHow Late It Was, How LateRobert the BruceGoetheAlbert Camus Fyodor DostoevskyJack KerouacKnut HamsunLucinda WilliamsTom Leonard Find us on Twitter or Instagram, and click here to view our most up-to-date episode schedule.

Writer and scholar Sheridan Hay joins us to discuss The Other House by Henry James. An unusual work for the author in that it contains his only murder, we analyze the novel's theatrical inspiration, bizarre tone, and gruesome climax. Please be wary as we wound up spoiling this one earlier than we normally do. Find us on Twitter or Instagram, and click here to view our most up-to-date episode schedule.

Writer and critic Patrick Preziosi joins us to discuss Cesare Pavese's The Moon and the Bonfires, translated from Italian by R. W. Flint. The story features a nameless narrator who returns to his native Italy from America in the wake of World War II. We talk about the ghosts of the past, the cyclical nature of violence, and the innate desire to find one's home. Be sure to follow Patrick on Twitter here. References:Jean-Marie Straub and Daniele HuilletNatalia GinzburgFamily LexiconA Private Affair by Beppe FenoglioThe Little VirtuesJacques TourneurThe Business of Living or The Burning BrandThe Selected Works of Cesare PaveseThe House on the HillWaiting for Godot by Samuel BeckettMichaelangelo AntonioniJean-Patrick ManchetteMuriel SparkConversations in Siciliy by Elio VittoriniAlina Stefanescu Find us on Twitter or Instagram, and click here to view our most up-to-date episode schedule.

Musician and author John Darnielle joins us to discuss A House and Its Head by Ivy Compton-Burnett, a wickedly funny novel first published in 1935. We talk about how Compton-Burnett's family background did or did not shape her style, explore the influence of Greek drama on her approach to narrative, and try to understand why we find her characters' conversations about horrific acts so hilarious. Pre-order the new Mountain Goats album and check our their tour dates here. References:The Life of Ivy Compton-Burnett by Hilary SpurlingThe Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor DostoevskyMikhail BulgakovJack KerouacFrancine ProseDevil HouseImmanuel KantJacques DerridaJoan DidionPropagandhiRobert E. HowardWolf in White VanUniversal HarvesterMinotaur by Benjamin TammuzEuropa EditionsRobert LiddellElizabeth TaylorJane AustenCharlotte BrontëJ. D. SalingerCharles DickensYasujiro OzuSeinfeldMichael Fengler and Rainer Werner Fassbinder's Why Does Herr R. Run Amok?On the Origin of the Species by Charles DarwinAnna Karenina by Leo TolstoyThe French Lieutenant's Woman by John FowlesMedea by EuripidesOedipus Rex by SophoclesSeven Against Thebes by AeschylusGeoffrey ChaucerA Compton-Burnett Compendium by Violet PowellAnthony PowellMary Olivier: A Life by May SinclairThomas Hardy"Notes on Camp" by Susan SontagJohn Waters' PolyesterEdward AlbeeJ. M. SyngeMother and SonVirago Modern ClassicsMore Women Than MenOscar Wilde Find us on Twitter or Instagram, and click here to view our most up-to-date episode schedule.