Episode 42: Fly Away with THE SONG OF SOLOMON Artwork

Great American Novel

Few literary terms are more hotly debated, discounted, or derided than the "Great American Novel." But while critics routinely dismiss the phrase as at best hype and as at worst exclusionary, the belief that a national literature commensurate with both the scope and the contradictions of being American persists. In this podcast Scott Yarbrough and Kirk Curnutt examine totemic works such as Herman Melville's Moby-Dick and Toni Morrison's Beloved that have been labeled GANs, exploring their themes, forms, and reception histories, asking why, when, and how they entered the literary canon. Readers beware: there be spoilers here, and other hijinks ensue...

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Great American Novel

Episode 42: Fly Away with THE SONG OF SOLOMON

August 07, 2026 • Scott Yarbrough and Kirk Curnutt • Season 5 • Episode 42

0:00 | 1:12:23

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Episode 42 of the Great American Novel Podcast considers Toni Morrison’s 1977 novel and National Book Critics’ Circle award winner Song of Solomon. Song of Solomon tells of the coming age of Macon “Milkman” Dead between the Second World War and before the passage of the Civil Right Act. Other unique and complex characters such as Pilate, his aunt, Hagar, his lover (and cousin), and Guitar, his friend and nemesis help round out a complicated and intriguing story about how a young man has to learn who he is and where he came from before the can grow into the future.

Critics and fans have long debated which is her best novel. Is it Song of Solomon? Beloved? Sula, Jazz? Your intrepid hosts weigh in on the debate and also discuss the origins of this novel in a folk tale. They ask whether Morrison was right or wrong in saying she didn’t practice magical realism. Please join us in this discussion of an incredible and electrifying novel.

All opinions are the hosts' own and do not reflect the points of view of their employers, publishers, relatives, pets, or accountants.

All show music is by Lobo Loco. The intro song is “Old Ralley”; the intermission is “The First Moment,” and the outro is “Inspector Invisible.” For more information visit: https://locolobomusic.com/.