The author Ben Lerner discusses his new novel, 10:04 (McClelland & Stewart, 2014), writing, critical success, fiction, and more, with Joseph Planta.

10:04 by Ben Lerner (McClelland & Stewart, 2014). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: 10:04

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, at TheCommentary.ca.

Ben Lerner joins me now. The acclaimed author and poet, whose debut novel Leaving the Atocha Station was an international hit, has just published his second novel: 10:04. The book has already received outstanding notices, and I’ll ask Mr. Lerner about it. In the book, the narrator has a bunch of stuff happen all at once: he’s diagnosed with a potentially fatal illness, he’s got huge literary success, and his best friend has asked for help in conceiving a child. The book is set in New York City, and everything seems to happen. I’ll get Mr. Lerner to tell us about 10:04, and talk to us about writing and more. Ben Lerner is also a professor of English at Brooklyn College. He’s published three books of poetry, and was a finalist for the National Book Award. He’s been a Fulbright Scholar, a Guggenheim Fellow, and a Howard Foundation Fellow. This new book is published by McClelland & Stewart. From Toronto today, please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Ben Lerner; Mr. Lerner, good morning.

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