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All Of It with Alison Stewart
Episode: Get Lit: S.A. Cosby on 'King of Ashes'
Date: July 17, 2026
Overview
In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart kicks off Friday’s show with a “Get Lit” book club feature on S.A. Cosby’s latest novel, King of Ashes. The discussion explores the novel’s gripping take on American history, themes of identity and justice, and Cosby's unique voice as a Southern crime writer. With the United States approaching its 250th anniversary, Stewart uses the conversation to probe how Cosby reflects the past and present complexities of the American experience, especially through the lens of Black Americana and crime fiction.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Introduction to King of Ashes (02:10)
- Alison Stewart welcomes listeners and sets the stage for the summer series focusing on American history and culture.
- Stewart introduces S.A. Cosby and his new novel, King of Ashes, situating it within the broader context of American storytelling and the Get Lit book club picks.
S.A. Cosby’s Approach to Crime Fiction (~03:20)
- Cosby delves into why he gravitated toward crime fiction as a vehicle to talk about race, justice, and Southern identity.
- He discusses the enduring appeal and complexities of the got-something-to-prove protagonist.
- Cosby reflects on his interest in moral ambiguity:
“I always say, my characters make bad choices for what they hope are good reasons.” (S.A. Cosby, ~04:10)
- The importance of setting in his work—the rural South as a “living, breathing character.”
The Novel’s Themes: Race, History, and Legacy (~07:00)
- Stewart and Cosby explore how King of Ashes engages with historical trauma and resilience.
- Cosby discusses the challenge of writing honestly about race and policing in the South without descending into clichés:
“I’m writing for the people who know these streets, who lived this history... but also for those who need to see it with new eyes.” (S.A. Cosby, 07:32)
- The role of family history and generational pain in shaping his main characters.
Memorable Characters & Unforgettable Scenes (~11:20)
- Cosby describes crafting protagonists who are both deeply flawed and sympathetic.
- Stewart asks about a particularly tense family confrontation scene; Cosby admits drawing from personal family dynamics:
“Everybody’s got that one relative who says the quiet part out loud.” (S.A. Cosby, 12:09)
- The duo laughs about digging up familial skeletons in fiction.
Reflection on American Milestones (~16:00)
- With the nation’s 250th birthday in mind, Stewart and Cosby talk about how novels like King of Ashes can challenge the sanitized myths of America.
- Cosby:
“History is not a straight line, it’s a tangled web. And the only way out is through the truth—messy as it is.” (16:35)
The Power of Community & Culture (~19:10)
- Cosby reflects on the connection between literary community and cultural healing.
- He expresses hope that readers feel “seen and heard and maybe a little less alone.”
- Stewart highlights Cosby’s growing influence in American letters:
“It’s clear your stories are as much about the wounds as they are about the healing.” (Alison Stewart, 19:55)
Notable Quotes
-
On Writing Complexity:
“I always say, my characters make bad choices for what they hope are good reasons.”
— S.A. Cosby (04:10)
-
On Place and Identity:
“The South in my books isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a living, breathing character.”
— S.A. Cosby (05:41)
-
On Addressing History:
“History is not a straight line, it’s a tangled web. And the only way out is through the truth—messy as it is.”
— S.A. Cosby (16:35)
-
On Representation and Community:
“I’m writing for the people who know these streets, who lived this history... but also for those who need to see it with new eyes.”
— S.A. Cosby (07:32)
-
On Family Dynamics:
“Everybody’s got that one relative who says the quiet part out loud.”
— S.A. Cosby (12:09)
-
Host’s Reflection:
“It’s clear your stories are as much about the wounds as they are about the healing.”
— Alison Stewart (19:55)
Episode Structure & Timestamps
- [02:10] — Introduction to Get Lit and King of Ashes
- [03:20] — S.A. Cosby’s crime fiction roots and influences
- [07:00] — Tackling race, history, and the American South in the novel
- [11:20] — Character building and standout scenes
- [16:00] — The role of history and national reflection in storytelling
- [19:10] — Community, representation, and the healing power of stories
Final Thoughts
This engaging conversation offers rich insights into S.A. Cosby’s approach to storytelling, the responsibilities and challenges of writing about America’s past and present, and the enduring power of fiction to foster empathy and self-examination. King of Ashes emerges as a timely and powerful novel, and Cosby’s candid reflections make for a particularly thoughtful Get Lit selection, resonating with both longtime fans and newcomers.
