Conversations with Tyler Emily St. John Mandel on Fact, Fiction, and the Familiar
Apr 8, 2020
Emily St. John Mandel, renowned for her novels like Station Eleven, joins the conversation to discuss the uncanny parallels between her stories and current reality. She candidly questions why people are drawn to pandemic narratives during crises. The chat dives into topics like self-exile strategies, the complexities of trophy wives balancing wealth and happiness, and the emotional landscapes shaped by literature. With a backdrop of her experiences, Mandel connects the dots between fiction and real life, revealing how her past in dance informs her writing.
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Episode notes
Timely Interview
- Tyler Cowen introduces Emily St. John Mandel, author of Station Eleven and The Glass Hotel.
- He notes the coincidence of interviewing her amidst a pandemic and financial crisis, topics her books explore.
Psychology of Flight
- White-collar criminals rarely flee, even when facing consequences, which puzzles Mandel.
- She cites Bernie Madoff's case, finding his lack of escape baffling.
Faking Death
- Mandel recalls a haunting Post Secret postcard about someone faking their death after 9/11.
- She muses about the ease of such a feat during extraordinary events versus normal times.
