The Influence of Don DeLillo's 'The Names'

The discussion highlights the significance of Don DeLillo's novel 'The Names,' which was chosen by Karl Uwe Knausgaard as a formative influence on his own writing. The narrative follows James Axton, a risk analyst in 1970s Athens, amidst themes of chaos, violence, and a cult's mysterious presence. Knausgaard appreciates the book's intertwining of existential themes and realistic portrayals, suggesting it serves as both a novel of ideas and a profound examination of language’s role in human connection and control. Despite mixed feelings from Amy Liptrot about the book's complexity and sometimes vague language, the consensus affirms its contemporary relevance and the depth of its observations on globalization and human interactions.