US literary superstar Jonathan Franzen talks about his novel Freedom, exploring its themes of love, marriage, teenage lust, and trying to change the world. He discusses his approach to crafting characters, his dislike for the phrase 'concept of freedom,' and the conflict between ideology and compromise. The speakers also delve into the unpredictability of life and the true nature of novels, emphasizing that they aren't meant to provide political messages. The episode ends with a discussion of the Bad Sex Award and upcoming episodes of the World Book Club.