Matt Taibbi on the Media, Cancel Culture, and the Democratic Establishment | Ep. 23

The novel intertwines several narratives, including the story of Pontius Pilate and Jesus Christ, and the adventures of the devil Woland and his entourage in Moscow. The Master, a writer who has been driven to insanity by the rejection of his novel about Pontius Pilate, and his mistress Margarita, who remains loyal and determined to save him, are central characters. Margarita's journey involves becoming a witch and hosting Woland's midnight ball, where she uses her newfound powers for altruistic ends. The book is a critique of Soviet society, exposing corruption, moral decay, and the repression of artists and dissidents. It blends elements of satire, fantasy, and philosophical inquiry, reflecting Bulgakov's personal experiences with censorship and societal pressures.

In this Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir, Frank McCourt recounts his childhood in Brooklyn and Limerick, Ireland. Born to recent Irish immigrants, Frank's family faces severe poverty and hardship due to his father's chronic alcoholism. Despite the dire conditions, Frank's father nurtures his love for storytelling, which becomes a crucial element in his survival. The memoir vividly describes the family's struggles, including near-starvation, the death of siblings, and the casual cruelty of relatives and neighbors, all told with humor, eloquence, and remarkable forgiveness.