The Moth Podcast: Nathan Englander – "Unhooked"

Introduction

In the episode titled "Unhooked," featured on The Moth podcast, fiction writer and playwright Nathan Englander recounts a gripping personal narrative set against the backdrop of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. This powerful story, told live in New York, explores themes of history, identity, fear, and resilience. The narrative is enriched with poignant moments and reflective insights, making it both engaging and thought-provoking for listeners.

Setting the Historical Context

Englander begins by setting the stage with a historical overview of the Cold War era:

"For those of you who are less than 100 years old, I want to tell you there used to be something called the Soviet Union. They were our arch enemy and we were locked in a perpetual state of cold war with them for, you know, my whole life, you know, until I was an adult..." [00:03:06]

He juxtaposes the pervasive fear of that era with contemporary anxieties, drawing parallels between the Cold War and the ongoing "war on terror." Englander emphasizes the omnipresent dread of potential annihilation, symbolized by the Berlin Wall—a literal and metaphorical divider of East and West Germany.

Witnessing History: The Fall of the Berlin Wall

During his junior year studying abroad in Jerusalem, Englander experiences the monumental event of the Berlin Wall's sudden breach. He describes the electrifying atmosphere as people tear down the Wall using basic tools like hammers and chisels, symbolizing a yearning for freedom:

"I'm holding it. It's got the graffiti on it. I just can't believe I'm holding it. It's such an amazing thing to be a part of, except I ain't. It's clear to me in an instant, like I need to go be a part of this." [00:03:57]

Moved by the historic moment, Englander decides to join the fervor, accompanied by his friend Joel. They embark on a journey reminiscent of their Jewish heritage, aiming to reach Berlin and contribute to the dismantling of the Wall.

The Journey Begins: Boarding the Train

Englander and Joel's adventure takes them through significant historical sites, including Auschwitz and Treblinka, before arriving in Prague. Intent on reaching Berlin, they board what they believe to be a passenger train. However, their experience soon takes a harrowing turn:

"Those are the same tracks. This could be the same train that destroyed our people. You know, we're just standing there dead silent." [00:07:44]

They realize too late that they've boarded an old freight train instead of a passenger one, triggering deep-seated fears associated with Holocaust-era atrocities. Englander vividly describes the oppressive atmosphere, filled with the scent of beer and sadness from fellow refugees:

"And I could cry telling this to you right now. These people with nothing, they offer to share their food with us..." [00:11:15]

Chaos and Fear: A Nightmare Unfolds

As the freight train moves, panic ensues. Englander and Joel face the terror of being in an unfamiliar environment, surrounded by refugees fleeing an uncertain fate. The situation escalates when the train abruptly stops, and chaos erupts:

"Everybody has to get off the train. Like, we suddenly... We're in the dirt in the night, running in these groups. We're just flowing with these refugees. We don't know if there's a fire or what's going on. We are just terrified." [00:13:20]

Englander expresses his vulnerability and fear, contrasting his composed upbringing with the raw terror of the moment:

"It seems like I need to go be a part of this. So I grabbed my buddy Joel... It seems like a nightmare of a bad idea, what we have done." [00:09:50]

A Moment of Connection and Resilience

In the midst of chaos, a pivotal moment occurs when the train separates, leading Englander and his group to fend for themselves. They encounter a drunken local who ultimately assists them in reboarding a legitimate passenger train to Berlin:

"These people have come from America to our country. They've come to see our country. Are you going to tell them that a ticket that is good in Madrid, that is good in Rome, that is good in Paris, is no good here? The great conflict is over. We are one world now. We are all of us brothers. Thank you." [00:16:00]

This interaction underscores themes of unity and shared humanity, transcending geopolitical tensions.

Resolution and Reflection

Englander concludes his story by reflecting on the night’s events, highlighting the fragility of survival and the unexpected acts of kindness that emerged under duress. The successful boarding of the train symbolizes not just a physical journey towards freedom but also an emotional and psychological passage from fear to hope.

Conclusion

Nathan Englander's "Unhooked" is a compelling narrative that intertwines personal experience with significant historical events. Through his vivid storytelling, Englander offers listeners a window into the tumultuous period of the Berlin Wall's fall, illustrating the impact of geopolitical shifts on individual lives. The episode serves as a testament to human resilience and the enduring quest for freedom and connection.

Notable Quotes

• "I'm holding it. It's got the graffiti on it. I just can't believe I'm holding it." – Nathan Englander [00:03:57]

• "We are one world now. We are all of us brothers. Thank you." – Josef, the German refugee [00:16:00]

• "It seems like a nightmare of a bad idea, what we have done." – Nathan Englander [00:09:50]

Final Thoughts

"Unhooked" is not merely a recounting of historical events but a deeply personal journey that underscores the universal yearning for freedom and the profound connections that bind humanity. Nathan Englander's adept storytelling brings history to life, making it accessible and relatable to contemporary audiences.