Programmed to Chill Premium Episode 69 - Bolaño’s the Third Reich, or, What War Games Do to a mf, feat. Dani and Rodolfo
May 28, 2024
Dani and Rodolfo discuss Bolaño's the Third Reich, exploring the fascist mindset via tabletop wargames and LARPing. They touch on Latin American history, tragic tales, and the complex relationships within the novel.
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Family Bolaño
- Dani and Rodolfo's mom had Bolaño books, including "2666" and "The Savage Detectives."
- Their aunt, a "Bolaño character," introduced their family to the author.
Bolaño Journey
- Rodolfo first read "The Savage Detectives" in high school, appreciating its style and relatability.
- He later found "2666" a slog during the pandemic but rediscovered Bolaño through the podcast.
Jimmy's Bolaño Obsession
- Jimmy, after a Mormon mission and learning Spanish, read "2666" in Spanish.
- He found the book simultaneously good and one of the worst things he'd read, then became a Bolaño fanatic.