Why people recommend it
The Director by Daniel Kehlmann is a compelling biographical novel about the acclaimed filmmaker G.W. Pabst and his compromises under the Nazi regime. When Zadie Smith appeared on The Ezra Klein Show for the September 17, 2024 episode titled Zadie Smith on Populists, Frauds and Flip Phones, she shared her current reading list during the closing segments. Smith mentioned that she was actively reading the book, noting that it was written by her Austrian friend Daniel Kehlmann. She described the volume as a wonderful piece of writing centered around the historical filmmaker and the moral dilemmas of art under totalitarianism. By bringing this translation to the attention of the podcast audience, Smith highlighted Kehlmann's narrative skill in blending historical fact with psychological insight. Her personal connection to the author added an engaging layer to the recommendation, presenting the work as a captivating international release that deserves a wide readership among those interested in European history, cinema, and the compromises demanded by history.
Who recommended it
- Zadie Smith Recommended
Zadie Smith — 1 mention
“well right now I'm reading the director which is by my Austrian friend Daniel kilman It's a Wonderful book about uh the filmmaker WG Pabst”