Why people recommend it
Crepúsculo Del Mundo, published in English as The Twilight World, is a novel by renowned filmmaker Werner Herzog that reimagines the astonishing true story of Hiroo Onoda, a Japanese imperial soldier who continued fighting World War II on a remote Philippine island for decades after hostilities ended. On an episode of The Book Review titled Jackie, Before Marrying Jack, released on July 18, 2024, guest Alexandra Alter discussed how Werner Herzog spent more than twenty-five years ruminating on this captivating narrative before finally turning it into his debut novel, having previously considered adapting it into a film. Similarly, on an episode of People I (Mostly) Admire titled 120. Werner Herzog Thinks His Films Are a Distraction, released on December 9, 2023, host Steve Levitt brought up the book to prompt a discussion about Onoda's incredible survival and psychological endurance. Across both podcast appearances, speakers highlighted how Herzog's deep, long-standing fascination with extreme human resolve ultimately found a home in print, showcasing his transition from visual storytelling to the written word while maintaining his trademark fascination with singular, isolated figures facing extraordinary historical circumstances.
Who recommended it
- Alexandra Alter Discussed
- Steve Levitt Discussed
Alexandra Alter — 1 mention
“and so this story that he tells in his first novel The Twilight world is one that he has been ruminating on for more than 25 years and thought about making a film”
Steve Levitt — 1 mention
“it's called the Twilight world and it tells this story of hero onada could you talk a bit about his story”
Also mentioned in the same episodes
- Every Man for Himself and God Against All
- A Glass of Blessings
- Excellent Women
- Freakonomics
- Meant to Be
- Some Tame Gazelle
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“and the book is actually based on my meeting him and knowing him and conversations with him”