NPR's Book of the Day
'Bronshtein in the Bronx' is a fictional account of Leon Trotsky's New York exile
Feb 12, 2025
Robert Littell, a renowned author of espionage thrillers, discusses his novel 'Bronshtein in the Bronx', which reimagines Leon Trotsky's brief exile in New York in 1917. He shares personal family ties to Trotsky and reflects on the revolutionary's struggles to inspire American workers. Littell also explores the moral complexities of revolution, using Trotsky's legacy to examine the balance between idealism and ruthless leadership. Dive into the paradoxes of revolutionary fervor and the violent realities it entails.
08:15
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Trotsky's brief exile in New York illustrated his disappointment with American workers' focus on labor conditions over revolutionary ideals.
- Littell's novel uses Trotsky's conscience to explore the moral dilemmas of revolutionary action, reflecting on idealism versus violent outcomes.
Deep dives
Trotsky's Disillusionment in America
Leon Trotsky's brief time in New York City in 1917 was marked by his hope to ignite a socialist revolution among American workers, but he faced significant disappointment. While he expected the American proletariat to respond to his revolutionary ideals, they were primarily focused on improving their working conditions, such as shorter hours and paid vacations. This stark contrast between Trotsky's expectations and the reality of American labor sentiments led to his growing frustration and despair. Ultimately, Trotsky's experience highlighted the complex dynamics of worker consciousness during this period and underscored the challenges of initiating revolution in a capitalist society.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
