“A writer tends to notice things that other people do not notice. And they are noticing so they can write about it.” – Paul Theroux
In this episode of Deviate, Paul Theroux and Rolf discuss their travels through Mexico and magical realism (4:30); teaching as a way to get to know a country and the importance of reading (20:00); and Paul’s experience traveling along the US-Mexico border and geo-political complexities between the two countries (29:00).
Paul Theroux (@PaulTheroux_) is a pioneer of travel writing and author of many highly acclaimed books, including The Great Railway Bazaar and The Tao of Travel. His work has appeared in such publications as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and The Guardian. In 2015, Paul Theroux was awarded a Royal Medal from the Royal Geographical Society – an award, approved by the Queen, which is the highest award attainable for a traveler. His latest book, On the Plain of Snakes: A Mexican Journey, was released last month. He last talked with Rolf on Deviate Episode 31, “Paul Theroux on the art of listening, and the necessary obstacles of deep travel.”
Notable Links:
- Sinclair Lewis (writer)
- William Faulkner (writer)
- Jorge Luis Borges (writer)
- Gabriel García Márquez (writer)
- Magical Realism (style of fiction)
- James Joyce (writer)
- Aldous Huxley (writer)
- Jack Kerouac (writer)
- Rebecca West (writer)
- Harriet Doer (writer)
- Leonora Carrington (artist)
- The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, by B. Traven (novel)
- Nathaniel Philbrick (author)
- Moby-Dick, by Herman Melville (book)
- Subcomandante Marcos (revolutionary)
- Zapatista Army of National Liberation (militant group)
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The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel’s 2017 album Lumber.
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