Bulwark Takes: Episode Summary

Title: What You Should Be Reading Right Now (w/ Jay Nordlinger) | Bulwark on Sunday
Host: Bill Kristol
Guest: Jay Nordlinger
Release Date: April 20, 2025

1. Introduction

The episode "What You Should Be Reading Right Now" features Bill Kristol hosting Jay Nordlinger, a distinguished writer from National Review and The New Criterion. The conversation delves into literary recommendations, focusing on influential authors like Stefan Zweig and Mario Vargas Llosa, while also touching upon classical music and its enduring relevance.

2. Discussion on Stefan Zweig

Stefan Zweig, an early 20th-century Austrian writer, becomes the focal point of the discussion. Jay Nordlinger shares his profound appreciation for Zweig, emphasizing the author's emotional depth and insightful portrayal of European civilization's decline.

• Zweig's Influence and Works:

  • "Beware of Pity" and "The Post Office Girl" captivated Nordlinger with their emotional intensity.
    • "These books are full of emotion... they are very painful to read. They're real, you know, he gets down to it."
      [05:51]
  • "The World of Yesterday", Zweig's memoir, offers a comprehensive history of his era, chronicling the rise of illiberalism and demagoguery.
    • "It's his summa, it's an autobiography, but it's also a history of his time... he chronicled it absolutely brilliantly."
      [06:32]

• Personal Reflections:

  • Zweig's life in Salzburg is highlighted, particularly his witnessing of Hitler's rise from nearby Berchtesgaden.
    • "He could see with his naked eye Berchtesgaden, the Eagle's Nest, where Hitler was building his place."
      [08:14]

3. Mario Vargas Llosa's Works

The conversation shifts to Mario Vargas Llosa, a Nobel laureate and influential Latin American writer. Nordlinger discusses his admiration for Vargas Llosa's novels and political thought.

• "The Feast of the Goat":

  • Nordlinger recounts his intense experience reading the novel, which delves into the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic.
    • "It had me by the throat. I wasn't an idiot. I knew that Vargas Llosa was a novelist, but I knew him primarily as a political person."
      [16:50]

• Intellectual Autobiography - "The Call of the Tribe":

  • The book explores Vargas Llosa's influences and his journey from leftist ideologies to classical liberalism.
    • "He started out on the left... and then he found people like Isaiah Berlin and George Orwell... they changed him forever."
      [19:21]
  • Nordlinger critiques the title, suggesting it misleadingly implies tribalism instead of resistance to it.
    • "If I could change one thing about the book, it would be its title."
      [22:37]

4. Other Literature Recommendations

Beyond Zweig and Vargas Llosa, Nordlinger and Kristol exchange recommendations on works that provide deep insights into dictatorships and political struggles.

• Elizabeth Abbott's Account of the Duvaliers in Haiti:

  • "Her account of the Duvaliers, especially Papa Doc, is just riveting."
    [18:21]

• Michaela Wrong's Coverage of the Mobuto Dictatorship in Zaire:

  • Praised as a magnificent account of dictatorship.
    • "Magnificent. Magnificent."
      [18:21]

• Nathan Sharansky's Prison Memoir, "Fear No Evil":

  • Recognized as a profound memoir detailing personal resilience under oppressive regimes.
    • "That is a wonderful book."
      [19:13]

5. Insights on Classical Music

The dialogue transitions to classical music, where both speakers share their perspectives on performances, reviews, and the importance of staying true to original compositions.

• Bill Kristol's Review of "The Marriage of Figaro" at the Met:

  • Kristol praises the performance, highlighting its emotional impact.
    • "Nothing in the world is better than that."
      [35:30]

• Joshua Bell's Interpretation of Beethoven's Concerto:

  • Nordlinger shares an anecdote about pianist Joshua Bell writing his own cadenzas, underscoring the importance of personal artistry in classical performances.
    • "Let me give you a story. Good friend... Dame Myra says... I'm not gifted that way."
      [32:00]

• Dame Myra Hess's WWII Performances:

  • Honored for her role in boosting British morale during the Blitz through her performances.
    • "Patriotic person and a noble woman."
      [34:12]

6. Conclusion

The episode concludes on a harmonious note, with both Kristol and Nordlinger reflecting on the enduring value of literature and music in understanding and navigating the complexities of society and politics. They express gratitude for the opportunity to discuss these enriching topics outside the often overwhelming news cycle.

• Final Thoughts:
  • "It was great to get away from it for 35 minutes here on a Sunday."
    [36:06]
  • "Thank you for being Bill Kristol."
    [36:22]

Notable Quotes:

• "These books are full of emotion... they are very painful to read. They're real, you know, he gets down to it." – Jay Nordlinger
  [05:51]

• "It's his summa, it's an autobiography, but it's also a history of his time... he chronicled it absolutely brilliantly." – Jay Nordlinger
  [06:32]

• "He could see with his naked eye Berchtesgaden, the Eagle's Nest, where Hitler was building his place." – Jay Nordlinger
  [08:14]

• "It had me by the throat... he knew him primarily as a political person." – Jay Nordlinger
  [16:50]

• "He started out on the left... and then he found people like Isaiah Berlin and George Orwell... they changed him forever." – Jay Nordlinger
  [19:21]

• "Nothing in the world is better than that." – Bill Kristol
  [35:30]

• "Patriotic person and a noble woman." – Jay Nordlinger
  [34:12]

This episode of "Bulwark Takes" offers a rich exploration of influential literary figures and their impact on political thought, intertwined with reflections on classical music's role in cultural resilience. It serves as a compelling guide for listeners seeking profound reads and a deeper appreciation of artistic expressions.