by Elif Batuman
First published 2005
This literary magazine issue captures writers wrestling with the political and intellectual landscape following Bush's second presidential victory. Elif Batuman explores California's cultural babel, while Mark Greif examines questions of meaning in contemporary life. Keith Gessen turns his attention to political power through the lens of a vice president's daughter, and Marco Roth reflects on the ritual of final cigarettes. Benjamin Kunkel offers critical insights into J.M. Coetzee's work, while George Scialabba bids farewell to Christopher Hitchens. Rachel Sherman contributes "The Reaper," and Alexander Kluge rounds out this collection. The writers confront a moment when established theoretical frameworks seem inadequate to address the political reality they face. Each piece responds to this intellectual crisis differently, some through personal narrative, others through cultural criticism. Together they form a portrait of literary minds trying to make sense of America after a decisive electoral moment that left many questioning their assumptions about progress and meaning.
Genres: literary-fiction, american, contemporary, non-fiction, 21st-century, academic
Vibes: intellectual, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: intellectual-discourse, social-commentary
Setting: California, America
Period: Bush's Second Presidential Victory
248 pages · Paperback · n+1 Research