DeepSummary
The episode features an interview with Ed Park, author of the novel 'Same Bed, Different Dreams.' Park discusses the process of writing the multi-layered and unconventional novel, which incorporates elements of Korean history and culture. He talks about how he drew inspiration from other works like David Bowman's 'Big Bang' and wove together different narrative strands, including a fictional account of the Korean Provisional Government (KPG).
Park shares how he integrated real historical figures and events into the fictional narrative, creating an intriguing blend of fact and fiction. He also touches upon the book's exploration of themes like the nature of history, the passage of time, and the importance of close reading and analysis of texts.
The interview delves into Park's use of wordplay, names, and anagrams throughout the novel, adding layers of meaning and depth. Park also recommends books by fellow Buffalo writers Lucille Clifton and Lawrence Block, highlighting their literary merits and personal connections.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Ed Park's novel 'Same Bed, Different Dreams' blends fiction with elements of Korean history and culture, creating a multi-layered narrative.
- The book incorporates wordplay, anagrams, and shifting narrative styles to explore themes like the nature of history and the importance of close reading.
- Park drew inspiration from works like David Bowman's 'Big Bang' and integrated real historical figures into his fictional narrative.
- The novel encourages multiple readings to fully appreciate its depth and complexity.
- Park discusses his writing process, use of shifting perspectives, and the significance of names and wordplay in his work.
- He recommends literary works by fellow Buffalo writers Lucille Clifton and Lawrence Block, highlighting their personal and artistic merits.
- The interview delves into Park's exploration of themes like the passage of time, close reading of texts, and the blending of fact and fiction.
- Park's novel offers a unique and unconventional approach to storytelling, challenging readers to engage deeply with its layers of meaning.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “You know, if you are melding with another person, you don't turn that person into you, but you get to know the ins and outs of that person, and it's sort of like that. I always feel involved with the stories.“ by Deborah Treisman
- “The nice thing about it going out of fashion is that it really frees you up to relate to it in a different way.“ by Andrew Kahn
- “A lot of Kafka short stories, I think, gesture at or describe sort of nightmarish geographies or architectures.“ by Becca Rothfeld
- “I would love people to read it more than once. I mean, it's a lot to ask. We're all quite busy, you know, I totally understand that, but it is kind of amazing. You know, I don't do a ton of rereading, but there are these books that I'll just go back to, even though I've read them a thousand times, you know, and sometimes I just started teaching again, but, you know, when I was teaching more, you know, certain classes that would repeat and so I'd have to read the book again. But there was something so enriching just as a reader, but also, like, validating. Like, I liked this book the first time, and on my fifth read, it's, like, even better.“ by Ed Park
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Episode Information
The Maris Review
Maris Kreizman
11/16/23
This week on The Maris Review, Ed Park joins Maris Kreizman to discuss Same Bed Different Dreams, out now from Random House.
Ed Park is the author of the novels Personal Days and Same Bed Different Dreams. He is a founding editor of The Believer and has worked in newspapers, book publishing, and academia. His writing appears in The New Yorker, The New York Review of Books, Harper's, The Atlantic, and elsewhere. Born in Buffalo, he lives in Manhattan with his family.
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