Is Knowledge of Russian History Key for Understanding The Tsar of Love and Techno?

In this episode we talk about the historical context of Anthony Marra's The Tsar of Love and Techno. Sam begins by giving us a history lesson. We then try to apply this book to current events. James has a love affair with the word 'tenuous'. We end by ruminating over what themes make this novel work as a work of literature. Enjoy!   What is the historical context of the book? (1:15)  Is the historical context necessary? (6:05)  Does this book actually engage with history or is the historical events just window dressing? (11:00)  Is removing a confederate statue similar to the censoring that the book depicts about Soviet purges? (16:30)  Is Marra saying something about truth?  Or perhaps something about art? Or community? (20:50)   For this series, we will read and discuss three novels-in-stories: Jennifer Egan's A Visit from the Goon Squad Mar 25 - Apr 8, Ali Smith's There But For The Apr 15- 29, and Anthony Marra's The Tsar of Love and Techno May 6 - 20. You can join our book club discussion here: https://www.reddit.com/r/CanonicalPod where you can also find show notes, credits and extended discussions for every episode. You can support us by rating/liking/sharing our podcast! Subscribe to us here: Apple | Stitcher | Spotify | Google | Youtube You can also support us by buying The Tsar of Love and Techno or another book from one of our curated lists:  https://bookshop.org/shop/CanonicalPod. We earn a commission on every purchase and your local indie bookstore gets a cut too! We are also on Twitter and Facebook @CanonicalPod. Follow us to get updates on upcoming episodes!