Podcast Summary: The Book Review – Colin McCann on Undersea Cables and His New Novel "Twist"

Episode: Colin McCann on Undersea Cables and His New Novel "Twist"
Release Date: April 4, 2025
Host: Gilbert Cruz, Editor of the New York Times Book Review
Guest: Colin McCann, National Book Award-winning author

1. Introduction to the Episode and Guest

In this engaging episode of The Book Review podcast, host Gilbert Cruz welcomes Colin McCann, a distinguished author recognized for his compelling narratives and rich storytelling. McCann discusses his latest novel, "Twist", which delves into the intricate world of undersea cable repair and examines deeper themes of human connection and repair.

2. The Role and Importance of Undersea Cables

Colin McCann begins by explaining the critical role undersea cables play in global communication. These cables, though no larger than a garden hose, are the backbone of the internet, transmitting approximately 95% of the world's information.

[00:02:23] Colin McCann:
"They are no bigger than a garden hose... And inside you have layers of Kevlar to protect them. You have copper to conduct some of the electricity... The tiny fibers... carry all of our hopes and dreams."

He highlights the vulnerability of these cables, emphasizing that their repair is both technically challenging and financially burdensome, with costs reaching up to $4 billion for a new cable.

[00:03:15] Colin McCann:
"If it's close to shore, you can send down a diver... but beyond a certain point, you have to throw out a rope with a grappling hook to find the broken spot."

McCann also touches upon the geopolitical significance of these cables, noting that nations like Russia and the Houthis have been involved in sabotaging them, aiming to control information flow.

[00:04:07] Colin McCann:
"The control of information is the control of the mind, which is control of desires and passions and wars... The next war will not begin in the air... but underwater."

3. The Novel "Twist": Themes and Plot

"Twist" centers on Anthony Fennon, an Irish writer tasked with chronicling the operations of a South African cable repair boat. As Fennon interacts with the boat's crew, particularly Conway, the leader with a mysterious past, the novel intertwines the literal act of repairing cables with the metaphorical theme of personal healing and repair.

a. Cables as Metaphor for Repair

McCann elaborates on the dual significance of repair in his narrative. While the crew's mission is to mend the physical cables, the protagonist's journey mirrors a quest for self-repair amidst personal turmoil.

[00:11:01] Colin McCann:
"The book started after the pandemic... I thought, okay, it's gonna be healing. Now, I don't mean this to be up there in the air or anything like that, but healing might be the thing. And then maybe it's gonna be repair."

He emphasizes that the novel doesn't provide clear answers but instead presents various questions, encouraging readers to engage in personal reflection and interpretation.

b. Character Analysis: Anthony Fennon and Conway

The relationship between Fennon and Conway is a focal point in the novel. Conway's enigmatic background and his role in the crew bring depth to the narrative, drawing parallels to classic literary figures.

[00:26:59] Colin McCann:
"There's that gimlet eyed nostalgic. The narrator... He's also in pursuit of a mysterious man... There are many overtones of Gatsby."

McCann compares Conway to F. Scott Fitzgerald's Gatsby, highlighting themes of mystery, longing, and the complexities of human relationships.

4. Writing Process and Research

McCann underscores the importance of meticulous research in his writing process, especially for a novel as technically grounded as "Twist". The authenticity of the undersea cable world is a result of extensive exploration and understanding of the subject matter.

[00:20:06] Colin McCann:
"Most of my books are research heavy... This book, which takes place on the sea, was full of those extraordinary details... How this stuff was owned... If you blow some of those cables or sabotage them, you can take out a great portion of the world's Internet."

He also discusses his method of balancing "music" (the rhythm and flow of the narrative) with meaning, ensuring that the prose resonates emotionally while conveying the story's core themes.

[00:09:12] Colin McCann:
"You read it aloud... to get the rhythm. The music is more important than the meaning... You have to be aware of what your narrator knows."

5. Literary Influences and Themes: Gatsby and Beyond

Colin McCann draws inspiration from literary greats like F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby and Don DeLillo's Underworld. These influences permeate "Twist", enriching its narrative complexity and thematic depth.

[00:27:44] Colin McCann:
"There are many overtones of Gatsby... Along with Ulysses and Underworld by Don DeLillo... These are ancient stories."

McCann reflects on how literature serves as a bridge to personal and collective histories, allowing writers and readers to explore and empathize with diverse human experiences.

[00:34:54] Colin McCann:
"For me, the beautiful things is that my grandfather was alive on June 16, 1904... This act of creating fiction... allows me to recognize within myself, within my own blood."

6. Reflections on Technology and Human Connection

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the impact of technology on human relationships and societal structures. McCann articulates a nuanced perspective, acknowledging both the marvels and the vulnerabilities that come with our reliance on digital communication.

[00:22:08] Colin McCann:
"Our relationship to technology... Technology is not necessarily good or bad. There's a complicated inner middle."

He contemplates the collective anxiety surrounding potential disruptions in global communications and advocates for a balanced relationship with technology, emphasizing human agency and introspection.

[00:23:49] Colin McCann:
"I personally get freaked out... But it's wonderful to disconnect yourself... We've put all these GPS coordinates on our days, on our imagination, even on our memories."

7. Concluding Thoughts

As the conversation winds down, McCann shares personal anecdotes that humanize him beyond his literary persona. He discusses his fondness for scarves, a habit that symbolizes both personal history and community connection.

[00:37:01] Colin McCann:
"I took a bicycle across the United States when I was 21... Bandanas were really important to me... I started wearing scarves... I have Frank McCourt's old scarves... It's recognition of history, and part of it is vanity, and part of it is just fun."

Gilbert Cruz wraps up the episode by thanking McCann for his insightful contributions, leaving listeners with a deeper appreciation for the intricate interplay between technology, literature, and human experience.

Notable Quotes

• Colin McCann on the Fragility of Cables:
  *"[00:02:25] 'If it's close to shore, you can send down a diver... but beyond a certain point, you have to throw out a rope with a grappling hook to find the broken spot.'"

• On the Metaphor of Repair:
  *"[00:11:01] 'The book started after the pandemic... maybe it's gonna be repair.'"

• Literary Influences:
  *"[00:27:44] 'There are many overtones of Gatsby... Along with Ulysses and Underworld by Don DeLillo.'"

• Technology and Human Connection:
  *"[00:23:49] 'We've put all these GPS coordinates on our days, on our imagination, even on our memories.'"

Conclusion

Colin McCann's discussion on The Book Review podcast offers a profound exploration of the interconnectedness between our global communication infrastructure and the human stories that underpin it. Through "Twist", McCann invites readers to ponder not only the technical marvels of undersea cables but also the deeper themes of repair, connection, and the enduring power of storytelling. This episode is a must-listen for literature enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by the silent yet pivotal threads that bind our modern world.