Ep 764 - Waist Deep, by Linea Maja Ernst
Summary
Andrew and Craig review Alinea Maya Ernst’s debut novel, *Waste Deep*, an ensemble story about a group of friends navigating their thirties during a cabin retreat. They discuss themes of monogamy, polyamory, and the fear of becoming "boring" as characters like Sylvia and Quince challenge traditional relationship structures. The hosts analyze the book’s shifting perspectives and its critique of millennial social dynamics, noting how the narrative explores intimacy and commitment without resolving the resulting tensions.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and podcast intro
Introduction to Waste Deep by Alinea Ernst
Author background and millennial themes
Polyamory, childcare, and social dynamics
Ensemble cast and 'Smart Girl Beach Reads'
Squarespace ad break
Setting the scene: The lakeside wedding
Narrative structure and Sylvia's indecision
Character dynamics: Quince, Adam, and Gree
Authorial projection and character depth
Sex scenes and Sylvia's polyamory proposal
Relationship fallout and Quince's affair
Unresolved endings and Sylvia's lake moment
Critique of character development and pacing
Outro, next week's book, and sponsors
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