Podcast Summary: All Of It – "Colum McCann's New Novel 'Twist'"

Host: Kusha Navidar
Guest: Colum McCann, Author of Twist
Release Date: March 26, 2025
Duration: Approximately 27 minutes

Introduction to Colum McCann and Twist

In this episode of All Of It, Kusha Navidar interviews acclaimed author Colum McCann about his latest novel, Twist. The conversation delves into the novel's unique premise, exploring the intricate world of underwater communication cables and their critical role in global connectivity.

Exploring the Depths: The Premise of Twist

Colum McCann introduces Twist as a narrative centered around Anthony Fennell, a struggling novelist who takes on an unconventional assignment to cover the lives of workers repairing massive underwater cables essential for global internet connectivity.

Quote:
"In his latest novel, Twist, Colum McCann takes us to a place most humans can't visit—the depths of the ocean." (00:37)

The Hidden Backbone of the Internet

McCann sheds light on the often-overlooked infrastructure that powers our digital lives: underwater cables. He reveals that 95% of the world's intercontinental information travels through these seafloor cables, debunking the common misconception that data primarily flows through satellites.

Notable Insights:

• Underwater Cables vs. Satellites:
  "Satellites are slower, five times slower." (04:11)
  Undersea cables provide the rapid transmission of data, making them indispensable for global communication.

• Vulnerability and Geopolitical Risks:
  McCann discusses recent incidents where underwater cables have been intentionally damaged by entities like Russia and China, highlighting the cables' vulnerability to geopolitical tensions and potential sabotage.

Quote:
"If you took down the eastern cable in Africa, you could isolate many countries, affecting not just the region but the entire world." (06:33)

Research and Real-World Implications

McCann details his extensive research for Twist, including a transformative trip to South Africa to observe cable repair operations firsthand. He emphasizes the high-stakes nature of maintaining these cables, where even minor disruptions can have cascading effects on global communications.

Quote:
"Inside a day, you could take down the world's Internet and wreak incredible havoc." (07:10)

Themes of Repair and Connection

At the heart of Twist lies the theme of repair, both of physical cables and the protagonist's personal life. McCann draws parallels between the meticulous work of cable repair and the broader human need for connection and healing, especially in tumultuous times.

Quote:
"The broken cable becomes a metaphor for our broken self. And we can fix it. Yeah, but can we really fix all the things that are going on?" (10:56)

Discussion Points:

• Personal Struggles of Anthony Fennell:
  Fennell's journey mirrors the collective challenges of repairing fractured relationships and societal bonds.

• Technological Dependence:
  The novel questions whether technology can restore or perhaps hinder genuine human connections.

Character Analysis: John Conway

John Conway, the enigmatic head of the cable repair mission, embodies the novel's exploration of dualities. Described as a man who could belong in a monastery, Conway represents both the simplicity and complexity of maintaining the world's digital lifelines.

Quote:
"He knows the secret chord. He does know the secret chord." (21:30)

Insights:

• Dual Nature of Technology:
  Conway acknowledges both the benefits and dangers of technology, reflecting the novel’s theme of holding opposing truths simultaneously.

• Symbolism:
  Conway’s character serves as a bridge between the tangible and intangible, highlighting the precarious balance of our interconnected world.

Literary Inspirations and Metaphors

McCann draws inspiration from literary giants like T.S. Eliot and explores profound metaphors throughout his novel. The narrative intertwines the physical act of repairing cables with the emotional and psychological repair of the protagonist.

Quote:
"Fitzgerald said that the essence of intelligence was the ability to hold two equally distinct truths in the mind at the same time." (23:14)

Narrative Techniques and Storytelling

Emphasizing the power of stories to connect individuals across divides, McCann discusses his involvement with Narrative 4, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering understanding through storytelling. He believes that personal narratives are as fundamental to human connection as the physical molecules that bind us.

Quote:
"The distance between you and me is a story. The distance between you and our listeners is only a story if we can begin to bring them together through understanding." (23:43)

A Glimpse into Twist: Reading Excerpt

Colum McCann shares a poignant excerpt from Twist, providing listeners with an intimate look into Anthony Fennell's internal struggles and motivations. The passage underscores the novel’s exploration of isolation, creativity, and the quest for meaning.

Excerpt Highlight:
"All my characters slipped into a chasm. I cast around for new ideas, but mostly it was fall and echo, echo and fall." (16:18)

The Mystique of the Sea in Storytelling

McCann expresses his fascination with the sea as a rich narrative backdrop, symbolizing both mystery and the inherent human desire to seek connection and return home. The ocean serves as a metaphor for the vast, often uncharted territories of the human psyche.

Quote:
"Stories can take your house away. Stories can take your country away. Stories can take your identity away." (26:31)

Conclusion and Upcoming Events

As the conversation wraps up, McCann invites listeners to his upcoming speaking event at St. Joseph's University. He also announces the release of the audiobook version of Twist, offering a different dimension to his storytelling.

Final Quote:
"The audiobook came out yesterday, so I'm very happy to do that." (25:21)

Key Takeaways

• Underwater Cables are Paramount: The novel emphasizes the critical role of underwater cables in sustaining global communication and the potential chaos that could ensue from their disruption.

• Themes of Repair and Connection: Twist uses the physical act of cable repair as a metaphor for personal and societal healing.

• Dualities in Technology: The narrative explores the paradoxical nature of technology as both a tool for connection and a source of vulnerability.

• Power of Storytelling: McCann underscores the importance of stories in bridging divides and fostering understanding among disparate individuals and communities.

For listeners interested in exploring the intricate world of underwater cables and the profound themes of connection and repair, Colum McCann's Twist offers a compelling literary journey.