LW27: Ross Barkan

In this episode, we sit down with novelist Ross Barkan to discuss his latest novel, Glass Century. Set against the shifting backdrop of New York City from the gritty 1970s through the disorienting days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Barkan’s novel captures the shifting landscape of New York through the life of Mona Glass, a one-time tennis player turned photojournalist. We explore the origins of Glass Century, delving into how Barkan masterfully intertwines intimate human drama with major historical events, crafting a narrative that speaks to both private loss and collective memory.

Join us as we talk about his journey as a writer—from his work as a columnist for New York Magazine and contributor to The New York Times Magazine, to his role as editor-in-chief of The Metropolitan Review. Barkan also shares insights into his creative process, the enduring power of the novel form in a digital age, and how he captures the complexities of trauma, identity, and resilience amidst historical upheaval.