
NPR's Book of the Day
In 'The List,' an allegation of sexual misconduct wreaks havoc on a relationship
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The novel 'The List' raises ethical concerns about online anonymity and its potential for being weaponized, while exploring the tension between personal convictions and complicated questions in the face of an accusation of sexual misconduct.
- The portrayal of Ola and Michael as a black British couple in 'The List' brings distinct nuances to the story, highlighting the rarity of representation of dark-skinned black couples in the media and emphasizing the complexities of the narrative in terms of race and intersectionality.
Deep dives
The List: Exploring Questions of Conviction and Compromise
The podcast episode discusses Yomi Aragoke's novel, 'The List,' which revolves around a fictional version of a spreadsheet called the 'shitty media men list,' which exposed men in media accused of sexual misconduct during the MeToo movement. The protagonist, Ola, faces a difficult decision when her fiancé, Michael, is named on the list. The story explores the tension between convictions and complicating questions, as Ola grapples with deciding whether to believe Michael, dump him, or proceed with the wedding. The novel raises ethical concerns about online anonymity and the potential for it to be weaponized. Additionally, the podcast highlights Ola's journey of choosing herself and defining her identity outside of her relationship and her partner's alleged crimes.