The Novel of the Century Is NSFW
Summary
Hosts Audie Cornish and Ari Shapiro welcome author Marlon James to discuss his novel *Disappears*, which centers on a homophobic attack in 1980s Jamaica. James shares his personal history, including undergoing a church exorcism for homosexuality, and explores the complex intersection of queer identity, colonialism, and violence in Caribbean culture. The conversation also touches on his earlier work, *A Brief History of Seven Killings*, and the role of music in his writing. The episode concludes with a lighthearted game where the trio shares their "hot takes" and comfort reads, highlighting …
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Caesar dog food
Introduction and guest Marlon James
Book context and explicit content
Depicting queer sexuality and community
Jamaican identity, stereotypes, and safety
Personal history and exorcism story
Global homophobia and AIDS history
Family, colonialism, and memory
Generational identity and music
Homophobic lyrics in Jamaican music
Raising kids and discussing sensitive words
Promoting the podcast Dinners on Me
Mother's reaction and book success
Faith in readers and writer interviews
Game: 80s pop culture patron saints
Audiobooks and reading preferences
The Odyssey translation and film
Nuance in depicting sex
Book recommendations and guilty pleasures
Closing remarks and listener engagement
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