• A look back at the 1901 excommunication of Leo Tolstoy from the Russian Orthodox Church
Today marks a significant moment in history: the 1901 excommunication of Leo Tolstoy from the Russian Orthodox Church. This event is a reminder of the power of faith, and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs. But it’s also a reminder that history can repeat itself.
At the same time, there are some positive stories to celebrate. Certain populations of whales are rebounding, giving us hope for the future of our planet. H.P. Lovecraft and Ghostbusters have both left their mark on our culture, and slime is having a moment. We can learn from our past, but also from our present.
Colin Winnette has some thoughts on how we can relate to our satirized characters, while Emmanuel Iduma examines the enduring divides created by the Nigerian Civil War. Rebecca Ackermann considers how “the Sex and the City Problem” functions in Detransition, Baby and Fleishman Is in Trouble. Christian Lorentzen takes a close look at the Simon & Schuster trial, and The New York Times reports on the success of the HarperCollins Union strike.
Eleanor Cummins explores the literature of death, while NPR celebrates the shared experience created by audiobooks. Katy Waldman examines our shared obsession with true crime in Rebecca Makkai’s new novel, and Gary Indiana revisits his 2003 novel, Do Everything in the Dark.
At Lit Hub, we’re also celebrating literature with Erica Berry on fairytales, fear, and dismantling narratives, a poem by Alice Notley, and a read from Mirza Waheed’s latest novel, Tell Her Everything.
Today marks an important moment in history, and we can learn from it. But there’s also plenty to celebrate in our present.
