SongWriter

Season 3, Episode 12
Jonathan Lethem + Tift Merritt

Bestselling author Jonathan Lethem returns for another episode, reading from his novel The Arrest. Jonathan describes the novel as a “dystopian pastoral," about a small farming community coping with the worldwide collapse of technology. Jonathan also speaks about his long history of writing lyrics for bands including They Might Be Giants and the Silos.

LeonardoCendamo_ Lethem

Photo by Leonardo Cendamo

Songwriter Tift Merritt talks about parenting in the pandemic, and performs a song called “Asylum in a Mad, Mad World.” The song was written in response to Jonathan's novel, but also reflecting the history of a former asylum in her hometown.

Alexandra ValentiTift-Merritt

Photo by Alexandra Valenti

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