Identity Politics
Randall Kennedy explores the notion of the race traitor; Shelby Steele uses Barack Obama’s candidacy as a window on contemporary black identity and progress. nytimes.com
Brutality and Redemption in 'Sacred Hunger'
Sacred Hunger, a brutal portrait of human ruthlessness and redemption set on an 18th century slaving ship, inspired Ethan Canin to expand his ambitions as a writer. npr.org
One Final Round: Requiem for Two Heavyweights
In the space of a week, two of the city’s cultural giants received tribute: a Mass for William F. Buckley Jr. at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and a memorial for Norman Mailer at Carnegie Hall. nytimes.com