NPR's Book of the Day: "Braunstein in the Bronx" by Robert Littell

Episode Release Date: February 12, 2025
Host: Andrew Limbong
Author Interviewed: Robert Littell
Episode Focus: Exploring the fictional novel "Braunstein in the Bronx," which delves into Leon Trotsky’s exile in New York City.

Overview of "Braunstein in the Bronx"

"Braunstein in the Bronx" is a gripping fictional narrative by Robert Littell that reimagines the ten weeks Leon Trotsky spent in New York City during his 1917 exile. Historically known as Leon Trotsky, Littell presents him under the name Lev Braunstein, offering a nuanced portrayal of the revolutionary leader's attempts to ignite a proletarian revolt in America—a mission that ultimately falls short of his revolutionary ideals.

Author's Personal Connection and Inspiration

Robert Littell shares a deeply personal connection to the subject matter, revealing that his father, born Leon Litsky, legally changed his surname to Lutette in 1919 to distance himself from the Bolshevik leader due to the ridicule associated with the similar names. Littell explains:

"I inherited my father's obsession with Ronstein Trotsky. My father... filed papers in a New York courthouse to change his family name legally to Lutette because he had been subjected to ridicule because of the similarity of his name to Leon Trotsky."
—Robert Littell (02:13)

This familial anecdote underscores the personal stakes Littell brings to the narrative, blending historical fiction with his own heritage.

Trotsky’s Exile and Revolutionary Aspirations

The novel meticulously chronicles Trotsky's life in the Bronx, highlighting his deep-seated desire to spark a socialist revolution in America. Littell describes Trotsky's routine:

"He lived in the Bronx. He commuted on the third Avenue elevated down to Greenwich Village where he worked out of a basement writing editorials for a very small Russian language newspaper called Novy Mia."
—Robert Littell (03:06)

Despite his efforts, Trotsky faces profound disappointment as American workers show lukewarm interest in his revolutionary message. Littell notes:

"Trotsky thought that if he could start a revolution anywhere, it didn't matter where, Germany, France, England, Russia, America, that it would be contagious... It didn't happen in America."
—Robert Littell (03:06)

This misalignment between Trotsky’s revolutionary zeal and the pragmatic aspirations of American workers forms a central conflict in the novel.

Characterization and Thematic Elements

A significant innovation in Littell's portrayal is the personification of Trotsky's conscience, named after Littell's father. This literary device explores the erosion of Trotsky’s idealism, questioning:

"Why did he become so brutal? Why did he become a killer? Why did he become the person he became and that the world thinks of today?"
—Robert Littell (06:07)

Littell delves into the psychological transformation of Trotsky, suggesting that his conscience eventually abandons him, leading to his return to Russia devoid of moral restraint. He reflects on the inherent violence in revolutionary movements:

"Revolutions are violent enterprises and eggs will always be broken."
—Robert Littell (07:43)

This metaphor highlights the inevitability of collateral damage in the pursuit of ideological change.

Historical Interweaving and Fictional Liberties

While "Braunstein in the Bronx" is rooted in historical events, Littell takes creative liberties to enhance the narrative. A notable fictional element is the inclusion of J. Edgar Hoover as a character who greets Trotsky upon his arrival in America. Littell explains:

"J. Edgar Hoover was starting out to work for this government organization... I just imagined that these federal offices, why couldn't it be J. Edgar Hoover who was greeting Trotsky in his entree in America?"
—Robert Littell (05:30)

This fictional cameo serves to foreshadow Hoover’s future role in American intelligence and his eventual antagonism toward revolutionary figures like Trotsky.

Author’s Reflections on Trotsky’s Legacy

Throughout the interview, Littell expresses a complex relationship with Trotsky's legacy. He clarifies his stance:

"I'm more interested in him than like him. I don't like him very much. He became much too violent for my personal tastes."
—Robert Littell (08:00)

Despite admiring Trotsky's commitment to his ideals, Littell critiques the brutality and moral compromises that characterized Trotsky's actions, particularly in establishing the Red Army and his later opposition to Stalin.

Conclusion: A Thought-Provoking Narrative

"Braunstein in the Bronx" offers a compelling exploration of revolution, idealism, and the moral complexities faced by historical figures. Through meticulous research and personal insights, Robert Littell crafts a narrative that not only entertains but also invites readers to reflect on the human aspects behind monumental political movements.

For listeners and readers alike, this episode of NPR's Book of the Day provides an in-depth look into Littell's latest work, enriching the audience's understanding of both the fictional and historical dimensions of Trotsky's exile in New York.

Notable Quotes:

• "I think what happened was I inherited my father's obsession with Ronstein Trotsky."
  — Robert Littell (02:13)

• "Revolutions are violent enterprises and eggs will always be broken."
  — Robert Littell (07:43)

• "I'm more interested in him than like him. I don't like him very much."
  — Robert Littell (08:00)

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of "Braunstein in the Bronx" and the discussions surrounding its themes and authorial perspective.