When New Yorker writer Hilton Als signed on to guest host Studio 360, he immediately knew he wanted to interview one of his literary heroes, Toni Morrison. They sat down in her Manhattan home for a rich conversation about literature, politics, and her childhood.
At the end of their visit, Hilton asked her to read the last lines of one of his favorite novels, her National Book Award-winning Song of Solomon, from 1977. (Listen to the audio above.) Hilton has always been fascinated by her depiction of black masculinity, and by this book’s ambiguous ending. Its final scene captures a violent confrontation between Milkman and Guitar, who were once best friends.
You canhear their conversation on this weekend’s show.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!