Hardcore Literature Podcast Summary
Episode: Ep 84 - Book Club Schedule for 2025
Host: Benjamin McEvoy
Release Date: December 30, 2024

Introduction to the 2025 Reading Schedule

In Episode 84 of Hardcore Literature, host Benjamin McEvoy unveils the comprehensive reading program planned for 2025. Expressing heartfelt gratitude to the listeners and book club members, McEvoy emphasizes the transformative power of engaging deeply with classic literature. He highlights the diverse selection of books spanning various genres, periods, and cultures, aiming to foster personal growth and a profound appreciation for literary masterpieces.

Featured Reads for 2025

1. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez

Starting Strong with Magical Realism

McEvoy introduces "One Hundred Years of Solitude" as the inaugural book of the year, lauding it as a cornerstone of Latin American magical realism. He cites Pablo Neruda, who regards the novel as the most revolutionary work in Spanish since Cervantes' Don Quixote (00:10:45). A New York Times reviewer praises it as "the first piece of literature since the book of Genesis that should be required reading for the entire human race."

Key Themes:

• Magical Realism: Blending the fantastic with the realistic to mirror Latin America's complexities.
• Family Saga: Spanning seven generations of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo.
• Political Allegory: A critique of political corruption and exploitation, drawing parallels to real-life civil wars and massacres.

2. Metamorphoses by Ovid

Exploring Classical Mythology

Alongside García Márquez, McEvoy selects Ovid's "Metamorphoses", an anthology of over 250 interconnected mythological stories. He underscores its influence on later literary giants like Shakespeare, Dante, Goethe, and Tolstoy. McEvoy highlights the theme of transformation and its psychological insights, stating, "To familiarize yourself with Ovid is to familiarize yourself with all the great writers Shakespeare, Dante, Goethe" (00:20:15).

Key Themes:

• Transformation: Central to each myth, reflecting deeper psychological and existential changes.
• Cultural Heritage: Connecting readers to ancient narratives that shaped Western literature and art.

3. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert

The Pinnacle of Realism

"Madame Bovary" is chosen as a seminal work embodying pure realism. McEvoy references Vladimir Nabokov and Milan Kundera, who praise Flaubert for elevating the novel to poetic heights (00:30:50). He discusses the novel's meticulous craftsmanship, Flaubert's pursuit of the perfect word, and its scandalous reception upon publication.

Key Themes:

• Realism: Detailed depiction of everyday life and the psychological depth of characters.
• Social Critique: Examination of bourgeois society, infidelity, and the clash between romantic ideals and mundane realities.
• Literary Controversy: The novel's obscenity trial highlights the tension between artistic expression and societal norms.

4. The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner

Southern Gothic Complexity

McEvoy presents William Faulkner's "The Sound and the Fury" as an intensely difficult yet rewarding read. He acknowledges its challenging narrative structure and stream-of-consciousness style, encouraging perseverance: "If you can get through that difficult beginning, you will come across some of the finest, wisest and most astonishing prose ever written in the English language" (00:40:30).

Key Themes:

• Stream of Consciousness: Provides deep psychological insight into the Compson family.
• Nonlinear Narrative: Demands active engagement to piece together the story.
• Southern Decay: Explores the decline of Southern aristocracy and familial disintegration.

5. The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer

Medieval Storytelling Reimagined

In spring, the book club will delve into Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales", appreciating its role as a foundational work in English literature. McEvoy highlights the diverse range of stories and the metafictional frame narrative that offers profound insights into medieval society (00:50:10).

Key Themes:

• Diverse Narratives: From bawdy fables to moralizing tales, reflecting a spectrum of human experiences.
• Cultural Reflection: Offers a window into the societal norms and turbulent history of 14th-century England.
• Linguistic Evolution: Examines the transition of English language during Chaucer's time.

6. Dystopian Double Bill: 1984 and Brave New World

Contrasting Visions of the Future

McEvoy pairs George Orwell's "1984" with Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World" as a comparative study of dystopian literature. He explains that while Orwell warns of oppressive totalitarianism and the loss of truth, Huxley foresees a society subdued by consumerism and artificial happiness (01:10:25).

Key Themes:

• Control Mechanisms: Orwell's use of fear versus Huxley's use of pleasure to maintain societal order.
• Surveillance and Propaganda: Central to Orwell's critique of totalitarian regimes.
• Consumerism and Hedonism: Huxley's exploration of superficial satisfaction replacing genuine happiness.

7. The Iliad and The Odyssey by Homer

Epic Journeys and Heroic Tales

During the summer, the club will embark on Homer's "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey", exploring foundational epic narratives. McEvoy emphasizes the lasting impact of these works on Western storytelling and their exploration of universal themes like war, honor, resilience, and the human condition (01:30:40).

Key Themes:

• War and Honor: Central to "The Iliad," focusing on the Trojan War and heroic ideals.
• Journey and Resilience: "The Odyssey" portrays Odysseus's arduous journey home, symbolizing personal growth and perseverance.
• Mythological Influence: These epics serve as bedrocks for countless literary and artistic works.

8. The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

Adventure and Historical Intrigue

McEvoy selects Alexandre Dumas' "The Three Musketeers" for its thrilling narrative and rich historical context. He praises Dumas as a “fiction machine” and highlights the novel's blend of suspense, romance, and political commentary (01:45:50).

Key Themes:

• Friendship and Loyalty: Central to the bond between the musketeers.
• Political Intrigue: Set against early 17th-century France, filled with court politics and scandals.
• Adventure: Sword fights, secret missions, and daring escapades drive the plot.

9. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Gothic Romance and Psychological Thriller

Daphne du Maurier's "Rebecca" is chosen for the autumn season, noted for its brooding atmosphere and intricate psychological depth. McEvoy draws parallels to Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights" and Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre", emphasizing themes of love, jealousy, and hidden secrets (02:00:15).

Key Themes:

• Gothic Elements: Haunted estates, lingering pasts, and mysterious atmospheres.
• Identity and Self-Worth: The narrator's struggle against the shadow of Rebecca.
• Psychological Complexity: Exploration of human emotions and motivations.

10. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

Duality and Moral Conflict

McEvoy includes Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" as a Halloween special, exploring the duality of human nature. He discusses the novella's relevance to Victorian anxieties about science and morality, and its enduring questions about good and evil (02:10:05).

Key Themes:

• Duality of Man: The coexistence of good and evil within a single individual.
• Moral Responsibility: Questions about accountability for one's darker impulses.
• Scientific Ethics: Fear of unchecked scientific advancements and their societal impact.

11. Finnegans Wake by James Joyce

The Ultimate Literary Challenge

As the year winds down, McEvoy teases an exclusive discussion on James Joyce's "Finnegans Wake", hailed as the most difficult work of literature. He underscores its linguistic complexity, blending of multiple languages, and rich allusions, positioning it as a pinnacle of literary experimentation (02:20:30).

Key Themes:

• Linguistic Innovation: Creation of new words and intricate wordplay.
• Mythological Structure: Inspired by Giambattista Vico's cycles of history.
• Unconscious Thought: Delving into the depths of the human psyche through surreal narrative techniques.

12. Emma by Jane Austen

Healing and Social Satire

Concluding the schedule, Jane Austen's "Emma" is highlighted as a source of lightness and comedy to balance the year's heavier reads. McEvoy emphasizes Austen's ability to heal emotional rifts and offer social satire through the charming and flawed protagonist, Emma Woodhouse (02:30:45).

Key Themes:

• Social Dynamics: Examination of relationships, matchmaking, and societal expectations.
• Character Growth: Emma's journey towards self-awareness and maturity.
• Literary Enjoyment: Austen's crisp, beautiful prose provides pure escapism and joy.

Program Structure and Resources

McEvoy outlines the structure of the 2025 reading program, which includes:

• Lectures and Discussions: Available weekly, packed with in-depth analysis and designed for multiple listens (03:00:00).
• Downloadable Schedules: Accessible to book club members for organized reading.
• Supplementary Materials: Including recommended editions, translations, and viewing guides for film adaptations.
• Interactive Components: Discussion threads and questions to provoke deep thought and community engagement.

He encourages members to engage with both the primary texts and their adaptations, enhancing the reading experience through multimedia exploration.

Conclusion and Community Engagement

Benjamin McEvoy closes the episode by reiterating his appreciation for the book club members and inviting newcomers to join via Patreon. He emphasizes the community's shared passion for literature and the collective journey of intellectual and personal enrichment through reading. McEvoy expresses excitement for the upcoming year, hoping the schedule inspires listeners as much as it does him.

Notable Quotes

• Pablo Neruda on "One Hundred Years of Solitude": "This is the most revolutionary work in Spanish since Cervantes’ Don Quixote." (00:15:30)

• Harold Bloom on "One Hundred Years of Solitude": "Every page of this book is rammed full of life beyond the capacity of any single reader to absorb." (00:16:10)

• McEvoy on "The Sound and the Fury": "If you can get through that difficult beginning, you will come across some of the finest, wisest and most astonishing prose ever written in the English language." (00:40:30)

• McEvoy on "Emma": "Jane Austen offers so much healing and because that's what we need right now, we cannot let another year go by without experiencing another Jane Austen masterpiece." (02:35:20)

Additional Resources

For more detailed discussions, schedules, and access to the reading materials, members are encouraged to visit patreon.com/hardcoreliterature. Newcomers can join at the Proust tier to gain instant access to a vast library of literary discussions and guides.

Happy Reading!
Benjamin McEvoy, Hardcore Literature Book Club