Two years ago, we interviewed David Burr Gerrard about his terrific, politically-informed first novel Short Century. At the time he discussed the book he was working on at the time: a novel titled The Epiphany Machine.
Afternoon Bites: Alexander Weinstein, Nicole Haroutunian Fiction, Weekend Nachos, Sasha Fletcher, and More
In our afternoon reading: thoughts on Alexander Weinstein’s short story collection, new fiction from Nicole Haroutunian and Sasha Fletcher, and more.
Morning Bites: Alex Mar, Carrie Brownstein Interviewed, Lost Cinemas, PANK Returns, and More
In our morning reading: new writing from Alex Mar, interviews with Ted Rall and Carrie Brownstein, and more.
Morning Bites: Viv Albertine’s Memoir, New Jac Jemc Writing, Warren Ellis, T.C. Boyle Interviewed, and More
In our morning reading: notes on Viv Albertine’s memoir, Warren Ellis on his working process, new writing from Jac Jemc, interviews with T.C. Boyle and John Benditt, and more.
Morning Bites: Rudy Wurlitzer, Kim Gordon’s Memoir, Father John Misty, and More
In our Monday morning reading: a look at the writings of Rudy Wurlitzer, talking with Father John Misty, reviews of books by Meline Toumani and Lynsey Addario, and more.
Morning Bites: Jenny Offill Interviewed, Matt Bell Fiction, Talking With Karl Ove Knausgård, Meline Toumani, and More
In our Thursday morning reading: interviews with Jenny Offill, Meline Toumani, and Karl Ove Knausgård; David Byrne on duets; with the dead; notes on some Modest Mouse reissues; fiction from Matt Bell; and more.
Good Intentions, Political Fiction, and Ongoing Debates: Talking “Short Century” With David Burr Gerrard
David Burr Gerrard‘s debut novel, Short Century, is a politically resonant work, revisiting national debates on war and morality that are never too far removed. At the center of the novel is Arthur Hunt, a liberal journalist whose politics prompted him to support the Iraq War. From the novel’s first page, we know that Hunt has been killed, and we know that we’re reading a kind of memoir, written after something scandalous has come to light. Through this narrative, a host of […]
Reading David Burr Gerrard on History, Politics, and His Debut Novel
I graduated from college in May 2003 feeling very little trust in myself but a great deal of trust in American military power. My instincts had been to oppose the war that had, at least from the vantage point of the Columbia University lawn on which I sat in mortarboard and gown, been won. I had the ambition to be a writer, but I had neither confidence that I had anything worthwhile to say nor any compelling job prospects. David […]