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CZM Book Club Presents: Stories from "Black Box," by Mata Kastrisiou and translated by Kostas Kaltsas

Sep 27, 2026 · 40m

Summary

Host Margaret Kiljoy reads four short stories from *Black Box*, a collection by Greek author Mata Castrisiu translated by Kostas Koltas. The stories, published by the Anarchist Review of Books, explore themes of grief, displacement, and love through surreal, impressionistic prose. Kiljoy discusses the power of translation and the unique emotional resonance of these narratives, which blend naturalism with abstract imagery. The episode highlights how literature can emerge from political upheaval, offering a raw and transcendent perspective on human connection and loss.

Topics discussed

Sponsors and Introduction Show Intro and Book Context Reading: Stories of Siege and Loss Sponsor Break Reading: Garbage Trucks and Nature Sponsor Break Reading: Domestic Fragility and Love Discussion: Author Notes and Translation Author and Translator Bios Outro and Podcast Recommendations Closing Sponsor Reads
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