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‘Twist’ Explores Sabotage, Repair and the Hidden Cables Connecting Us
Apr 11, 2025
Colum McCann, a National Book Award-winning author known for his deep explorations of human connections, discusses his novel "Twist". He dives into the hidden world of underwater cables that underpin global communication and the threats of sabotage that loom over them. McCann reveals how his protagonist, a journalist, grapples with personal turmoil while addressing global dependencies on these cables. The conversation also reflects on identity, belonging, and the intricate relationships we maintain, both digitally and personally.
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Quick takeaways
- Colum McCann's novel 'Twist' explores the fragility of undersea cables, highlighting their critical role in global communication and the potential threats they face.
- The story reflects on personal and societal themes of connection and disconnection, emphasizing how technology both facilitates and complicates human relationships.
Deep dives
The Fascinating World of Undersea Cables
Undersea cables, no thicker than a garden hose, are the backbone of global communication, transmitting over 95% of the world's data. This little-known aspect of our internet infrastructure highlights how most of our internet activities, from emails to financial transactions, rely on these cables laid across the ocean floor. The fragility of these cables is significant, as they can be damaged by natural events such as earthquakes and landslides, as well as human activities like fishing trawlers dragging anchors. This vulnerability underscores a profound metaphor for the interconnectedness and fragility of our own lives and modern communication.
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