Programmed to Chill Premium Episode 59 - Novels as Spycraft 9 - 2666, or, Nothing Is Ever Behind Us, feat. Muslim Tom
[originally published on Patreon Apr 21, 2023; you can also listen to this episode on You Can't Win]
Today I'm joined by Muslim Tom (@MuslimTom_) from the podcast You Can't Win to discuss the novel 2666 by Roberto Bolaño. We go through each of the five sections and discuss characters, plots, vibes, and themes. There's almost everything in 2666, including many spiritual themes and parapolitical moments. Towards the end, we discuss the journalists Bolaño was working with who advance extremely noided theories about the femicides.
Content warning for discussion of sexual assault and murder. Also, spoilers, but spoilers should be less of a concern for this type of novel anyway. I don't think this episode is an automatic skip if you haven't read 2666 and hopefully this might encourage you to read it. Although you would get the most out of this episode if you read the novel, I'd like to think we lay out the plot and also read enough passages to make the episode enjoyable if you haven't read it.
Links:
Songs:
Jugaste y Sufri by Eslabon Armado ft. DannyLux
Apague Mi Mente by Carla Morrison
La Bestia by Junior H
Alcasiles by Isasa y Córdoba
La Llorona by Chavela Vargas