TMR 32.2: “This Requires Explanation” [Tristram Shandy]

Kaija’s jet-lagged but back, ready to digress and digest double entendres with Chad and Brian. Along with recapping this volume of Tristram Shandy—Toby and Trim’s plan, the collision between Obadiah and Dr. Slop, Yorick’s Sermon, Walter’s midwifery ideas—they talk about the initial reception of this book, the worst type of footnotes, the editorial inclination to favor the transmission of information over voice-driven joyful meanderings, and one of many reasons why Bret Stephens sucks.

This week’s music is “Planet Desperation” by Car Seat Headrest.

Next week’s episode will cover Volume III. If you want to follow along, the complete schedule can be found here.

Upcoming Open Letter Events

Friday, September 25, 4:30pm ET: What French and Francophone Literature Offers the American Imagination at Albertine Books, NYC.

All October: Asymptote Book Club for The Strongest Woman in the World.

Friday, October 2, 1pm ET: Open Letter Salon for The City.

Saturday, October 3, 1pm ET: Time and Water: Film Screening and Conversation at Scandinavia House, NYC.

Tuesday, October 6, 7pm ET: The 2026 Icelandic Translator Triptych at Scandinavia House, NYC.

Saturday, October 10, 4pm CT: Spotlight on Icelandic Women Writers at Open Book, Minneapolis, MN.

Saturday, October 17, 2pm ET: Translating Scandinavia at Scandinavia House, NYC.

Friday, October 23, 5pm ET: Boudoir Book Club at The Siren and the Sea, Rochester, NY.