A New Novel Asks: How Much Can a Male Friendship Take? | KQED
Briefly

In 'Dream State,' Eric Puchner narrates the journey of buds Garrett and Charlie as they confront the fallout from an antisemitic joke during a Halloween party. The novel intricately weaves themes of friendship, love, and the repercussions of personal actions against the backdrop of a changing Montana landscape. Puchner desired to encapsulate the complexity of male friendships and societal shifts, reflecting how mistakes can reverberate through generations. Inspired by his family's connections to Montana, he juxtaposes nostalgia with the harsh realities of climate change, enriching the characters' narratives and interactions.
Puchner explores contemporary male friendship while reflecting on cultural and personal repercussions, revealing how characters navigate personal mistakes amidst climate change.
He aimed for the first half of 'Dream State' to evoke an old-fashioned Russian novel, evolving into a love triangle with lasting impacts.
The characters' lives mirror the deterioration of their Montana setting, showcasing a bittersweet nostalgia as nature's changes parallel personal struggles.
Puchner's work reflects deeply personal themes influenced by settings tied to his wife's family history, blending memories with current societal challenges.
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