Episode 48: Modern Classics
Summary: Get those reading glasses on and join us for some extra nerdy energy this week, friends! Holly and Devin discuss Modern Classics today - those works post World War II that created pivot points in the cannon for the Thriller and Romance genres. In this era, ideas about race, gender and class are shifting as readers broadened their understanding of an interconnected world. Sexual liberation and violent horrors that had previously been viewed as outrageous become commonplace, so of course both our hosts have a blast this episode!
Topics Discussed:
The Dagger (3:02): Holly discussed The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson, a Nordic crime fiction novel following Mikael Blomkvist (journalist and publisher) and Lisbeth Salander (a computer hacker) as they investigate the disappearance of a woman 40 years ago. Together, Blomkvist and Salander uncover the secrets of the woman’s family through the darkest corners of Swedish society. Holly’s key takeaways were:
The novel delves into themes of violence, sexual abuse, and family secrets. It explores how individuals and families can hide dark and painful truths, often at great cost including corruption and financial malfeasance.
Lisbeth is a central character who represents female empowerment; her intelligence, resilience and capacity for self-defense are key elements in the story. Larsson explores issues of gender and the societal treatment of women.
This novel had a significant cultural impact and made important contributions to the mystery and thriller genres. Specifically, the complex female protagonist, darker themes, moral ambiguity and critique of society are now common in the genre, begun by Larsson in 2005.
The Heart (20:31): Devin discussed The Lion’s Daughter by Loretta Chase, a bodice-ripper romance from 1992 following the fiery-haired and -tempered Esme Brentmore as she works to avenge her father’s (supposed) murder, entangled all the way with the scoundrel and handsome rake, Varian St. George. They roam the country of Albania as fiendish plots and unspoken feelings bring them together and threaten to tear them apart. Devin’s key takeaways were:
This novel and others by Chase are part of the bodice-ripper romance era (think: woman in silk dress laid sensually in a field with her blouse exposing ample cleavage). Bodice Rippers are known for “exotic” locations, sexually explicit material, heroines with careers outside of housewife/mother who are also virginal yet fierce and handsome alpha males bent on seducing and dominating that woman.
Chase brings all the above tropes to the table with the country of Albania as the background. Albanian herself, Chase adds a real air of authenticity to Esme, who was born and raised in Albania by her English father, Jason, and to many of the colorful side characters.
The romance in this novel is filled with delightful tension (once you become aware that Esme is over 18 and there is therefore no statutory rape going on - yikes) and a lot of “I must have you” energy. Esme is witty, combative, and quick to anger. Varian is immature, selfish, and devastatingly charming (also known as a fuckboi).
Hot On the Shelf (48:50):
What’s Making Our Hearts Race (53:09):
Holly: Stray, the video game
Devin: Our Flag Means Death on HBO Max
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