Ross Barkan’s latest novel, Colossus, introduces us to Teddy Starr, a charismatic pastor and real estate mogul in small-town Michigan who embodies the quintessential American success story. Yet, beneath the polished veneer of his multimillion-dollar empire and "All-American" family life lies a calculated web of deception and a past he is actively outrunning. During our conversation, Ross noted that while Teddy is a man of God, he is equally a man of intense materialism, frequently justifying behavior—from his predatory business dealings in trailer parks to his secret personal life—that stands in direct opposition to his preached faith.

What makes Colossus particularly gripping is the complex first-person narrative that forces the reader into Teddy's headspace. Barkan crafts a character who constantly justifies the objectively wrong, seducing the reader into his own internal logic. It is a compact, propulsive work that moves beyond typical contemporary trends to deliver a genuine, often unsettling persona. Ross described the writing process as a challenge in staying in character, much like an actor, to ensure the voice never breaks.

Beyond the novel, we discussed Ross’s work with the Metropolitan Review, a literary magazine he co-founded to provide a space for ambitious writing and democratic literary culture. The publication focuses on deep dives and reviews of new literature, often highlighting works that the larger conglomerate publishers might neglect. Whether you are interested in the shifting landscape of independent publishing or looking for a story that takes sharp, unexpected turns, this episode offers a deep dive into the craft of creating a character who thinks he is a "good guy" while harboring dark secrets.

Thanks for listening!

Kyler

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Episode Links:

• PURCHASE Colossus
• Ross Barkan's Substack
• The Metropolitan Review

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