The New Yorker Radio Hour Kevin Young on His Book “Night Watch,” Inspired by Death and Dante
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Sep 16, 2025 
Kevin Young, Poetry editor for The New Yorker and acclaimed poet, discusses his latest work, “Night Watch,” which delves into themes of death and reflects on Dante's influence. He reveals how Dante provided a framework for addressing dark subjects through a journey rather than despair. Young also touches on the extraordinary story of Millie and Christine McCoy, exploring the intersection of personal grief, identity, and historical narratives. The conversation emphasizes how poetry can respond to contemporary societal issues while providing solace in difficult times.
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Dante As Structural Guide
- Dante provided Kevin Young a structural guide to write about dark subjects as a journey rather than a morass.
- Young credits Dante for making the book writable during bleak times like the pandemic.
Dante's Timeless Moral Questions
- Dante's poem raises timeless questions about punishment, belief, and human strife across eras.
- Young felt Dante's journey mirrored pandemic darkness and used it to explore moral questions.
Reading 'Ledge' From Purgatory
- Young reads "Ledge," a purgatory-section poem reflecting on loss, beauty, and his mother's voice.
- He blends personal family speech with philosophical questions about mourning and light.
