Ep 149. Colson Whitehead

Colson Whitehead, the renowned American novelist and recipient of multiple accolades like the Pulitzer Prize, visits Trevor Noah on The Daily Show in season 2019 episode 149.

The episode features an in-depth and entertaining conversation between Whitehead and Noah, delving into the intricacies of the writer's latest novel, "The Nickel Boys." The novel, set in Florida during the 1960s, explores the atrocities committed against young black boys at a reform school and the impact of those experiences on the boys' lives as they transition into adulthood.

Whitehead discusses the research process that went into writing "The Nickel Boys," including visits to the former reform school as well as interviews with survivors. He explains that he wanted to bring attention to a part of American history that often gets overlooked and to the resilience of these young boys who survived traumatic experiences.

Noah and Whitehead also delve into the broader societal issues that the novel touches upon, including systemic racism, generational trauma, and the power dynamics that exist in America. They discuss how, despite progress, the country still grapples with these issues today.

Throughout the episode, Whitehead's wit and humor shine through, and viewers get a glimpse into his writing process and creative mind. The conversation is both enlightening and entertaining, as the two delve into the complexities of writing about difficult topics while still infusing humor into the narrative.

In addition to the interview segment, the episode also features Noah's signature comedic commentary on current events. He covers topics such as the ongoing trade war with China and the controversy surrounding Nike's decision to pull a shoe featuring Betsy Ross's flag.

Overall, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah season 2019 episode 149 featuring Colson Whitehead is a thought-provoking and engaging episode that provides insights into both the art of writing and the ongoing societal issues that America continues to grapple with.