Rachel Kushner, an award-winning novelist acclaimed for her works like "The Flamethrowers," discusses her latest novel, "Creation Lake," a cerebral spy thriller. She shares insights into her character Sadie, whose amoral nature sparks a conversation about authenticity in storytelling. The podcast also explores the tension between idealism and pragmatism in character development, alongside the rich interplay between American and European literary traditions, illustrating how cultural contexts shape her narrative.

Ann Manov, a literary critic known for her insights into contemporary fiction, shares her thoughts on Sally Rooney’s latest work. Rachel Kushner, an acclaimed author, joins the conversation to discuss her novel 'Creation Lake,' highlighting its complex female protagonist and moral ambiguity. The dialogue delves into the philosophical themes woven into these narratives, particularly justice and cultural critique. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their own literary opinions amid the buzz surrounding new releases.

Rachel Kushner, an acclaimed author known for her compelling narratives, discusses her new novel, Creation Lake, which intertwines espionage with eco-activism. She unveils the complex world of her protagonist, Sadie Smith, a freelance spy navigating moral ambiguities. Kushner shares insights on the ethical dilemmas infiltrators face and the blurred lines between personal identity and professional secrets. The conversation highlights the inspiration drawn from real-life undercover agents and the dynamic relationships that shape the story.

Rachel Kushner, a talented novelist known for her spy novels steeped in philosophical themes, joins cohost Jenna Seery. They dive into Kushner's latest work, 'Creation Lake', discussing the intricate journey of its strong female lead, Sadie. The conversation touches on the complexities of narrative reliability, the emotional depth literature offers readers, and the influence of iconic authors on her writing style. Kushner also draws parallels between her characters and other strong females in literature, enriching the dialogue with humor and intrigue.

Rachel Kushner joins Deborah Treisman to read and discuss “Come Into the Drawing Room, Doris,” by Edna O’Brien, which was published in The New Yorker in 1962. Kushner is the author of three novels and most recently the essay collection “The Hard Crowd,” which was published last year. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices