Literary Friction

Literary Friction - Doppelgangers with Naomi Klein

Oct 5, 2023

Naomi Klein joins us to discuss her book 'Doppelganger' and the mirror world of right-wing conspiracies. We explore the concept of doppelgangers in literature and their reflection on society. The chapter delves into the complexities of doppelgangers, societal anxieties, and the rise of conspiracy theories. We also discuss the difficulties of changing opinions, personal and political projects, and the need for criticality and compassion.

59:23

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Episode guests

Naomi Klein

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Quick takeaways

The concept of doppelgangers can be used as a lens to examine societal reflections and mirror worlds, shedding light on right-wing conspiracies and distorted reflections.

Literature has the power to challenge stereotypes, evoke empathy, and offer profound insights into complex subjects such as loneliness and the struggles faced by marginalized communities.

Deep dives

Book Recommendation: Alone by Daniel Schreiber

Alone by Daniel Schreiber is a beautifully written exploration of living a life alone. The book delves into the tension between the desire for solitude and the need for companionship, as well as the complexities of loneliness. Schreiber draws on philosophy, psychology, sociology, and literature to examine the structures that shape our experience of being alone and offers insights into forging a life on our own terms. It challenges societal expectations of coupledom and highlights the importance of accepting and embracing loneliness as part of the human experience.

Introduction

3min

Naomi Klein discusses her name and reads from 'Doppelganger'

4min

Doppelgangers and the Journey Through the Mirror World

20min

Exploring the Complexity of Doppelgangers and Pipikism

5min

Navigating Deeply Rooted Opinions: Personal and Political Projects

2min

Being Critical and Compassionate

25min

What is it about doppelgangers that's so endlessly compelling? Who better to answer this question than the one and only Naomi Klein, who joined us to talk about her latest book, Doppelganger. This riveting and intellectually rigorous journey begins with a mix-up: people kept confusing Naomi Klein with another Naomi, author Naomi Wolf (known for The Beauty Myth), who got lost in the world of right wing conspiracies during the pandemic. Klein uses the trajectory of the other Naomi to examine the reflection of this 'mirror world' on the right, where vaccine passports are tools for control and climate change is a hoax. Tune in to listen to our conversation with Naomi, and to a consideration of our own distorted reflections, dark doubles, and what mirror worlds can tell us about ourselves. Recommendations on the theme, Mirror Worlds: Octavia: August Blue by Deborah Levy Carrie: The Likeness by Tana French General Recommendations: Octavia: Alone by Daniel Schreiber Naomi and Carrie : Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver Find a list of all recommended books at: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/october-2023-mirror-worlds-with-naomi-klein Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/litfriction Email us: litfriction@gmail.com Tweet us & find us on Instagram: @litfriction

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