TMR 16.5: “DANGER MONEY FOOD STARS USEFULNESS” [2666]

In the first chunk of this week’s episode, Brian, Chad, and Katie break down the first half of “The Part About Fate” and look specifically at Kessler’s speech in the diner, the areas of exploitative capitalism, femicide and how it’s everywhere, the idea of a system that kills, and much more. (They literally run out of time.) Then, Chad and Katie are joined by Natasha Wimmer to discuss her translation, how she came to Bolaño, what she’s learned about translating over the years, and how she approached this particular section of the novel.

This week’s music is “91” by Bleachers.

If you’d prefer to watch the conversation—and see Chad looking mighty uncomfortable in a tie—you can find it on YouTube along with all our past episodes. And tune in next Thursday at 9am ET for the next episode, “DANGER, MONEY, FOOD, STARS, USEFULNESS.”

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 available at better bookstores everywhere thanks to BOA Editions. And all of Katie’s translations, especially Four by Four and Last Words on Earth. 

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

The large image of the Elmina Castle associated with this post is copyrighted by Francisco Anzola.