Books and Authors
A Good Read: Ian Rankin & Colin MacIntyre
Jan 30, 2024
Crime writer Ian Rankin and singer Colin MacIntyre discuss 'The Glass Pearls,' a reissued book by Emoryk Pressburger. They delve into the moral complexity of empathizing with a character with a dark past, explore a character's transformation and self-discovery, and discuss a visually rich and magical novel. They also reflect on the current trend of seeking escapism in books and emphasize the importance of empathy.
27:47
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Quick takeaways
- The Glass Pearls explores the moral complexity of a hunted Nazi in 1960s London and delves into themes of empathy, storytelling, and the banality of evil.
- Widow Basquiat captures the essence of 1980s New York and delves into themes of drug abuse, decline, and the complex dynamics of relationships while offering a window into the vibrant and creative scene of the era.
Deep dives
The Glass Pearls by Emric Pressburger
The Glass Pearls by Emric Pressburger is a story set in 1960s London, amidst the rising swing of the city's cultural scene. The protagonist is a piano tuner and German refugee living a quiet life, but with a sinister secret. The novel explores the moral complexity of the main character, a hunted Nazi, and the tension and paranoia that surround him as he navigates his love affair with an innocent woman named Helen. The book delves into themes of empathy, storytelling, and the banality of evil, all while providing a vivid and visually rich depiction of mid-60s London.
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