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Ross Douthat on Fantasy Literature and The Falcon’s Children

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New York Times columnist Ross Douthat joins Chris to discuss his serialized fantasy novel, The Falcon’s Children. What inspired one of America’s most important political observers to write a work of fantasy, and to serialize it on Substack? What are his hopes for the project? And why is fantasy such a compelling literary genre?

Show Notes
Ross’s novel, The Falcon’s Children
Ross on Game of Thrones and J.R.R. Tolkien
Ross’s fantasy bookshelf
Patricia Snow on Hilary Mantel

Correction: Bret Easton Ellis did not publish his most recent novel (The Shards) on Substack; it was first serialized as an audiobook. Chris was thinking of Chuck Palahnuik’s latest novel, Shock Induction, which is based on a work he published serially on Substack.

Thanks to our sponsor, Brandybuck’s Tobacco.

Opening and closing music: “Spit It Out” by Brendan Benson, used with permission from the artist.

Host:
Christopher J. Scalia