In this episode of The Big Book Project, Lori Feathers unpacks one of the most haunting themes in Roberto Bolaño’s 2666: the slow erosion of humanity in the face of systemic violence. Through the lens of The Part About Archimboldi, we explore the chilling parallels between Nazi Germany and the fictional town of Santa Teresa—modeled after the real-life femicides of Ciudad Juárez.
Key Themes Discussed:
- The link between the Holocaust and the Santa Teresa murders
- How mass violence is enabled by societal complacency
- The role of media, government, and economic interests in silencing truth
- The banality of evil: Hannah Arendt’s philosophy in 2666
- Why societies turn a blind eye to suffering—and what that means for us today
Bolaño forces us to ask: How does systemic violence become an accepted part of life? What role do power structures play in normalizing brutality? And ultimately, how does a society lose its humanity?
📖 Join the Discussion:
- What moments in 2666 stood out to you?
- Do you see parallels between the book and modern-day issues?
- How can literature help us confront history’s darkest truths?
💬 Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media!
Links and Resources:
The Big Book Project on Substack
Roberto Bolaño’s 2666: Purchase the Book
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