Colum McCann: I like having my back against the wall'
Briefly

Colum McCann, an award-winning Irish author, reflects on the interconnectedness of modern communication and colonial themes in his latest novel, Twist. Set against the backdrop of a cable repair ship, the narrative discovers the vulnerabilities of undersea cables amidst increasing geopolitical tensions. McCann was inspired to write during the pandemic, contemplating themes of repair as society faced widespread disruptions. His work challenges the reader to reconsider the environmental and historical implications of our digital age, emphasizing that beneath our everyday connectivity lies a fragile and often overlooked infrastructure.
McCann reflects on the challenges of repairing undersea communication cables, which have seen increased attacks, highlighting our dependency on these fragile connections in modern communication.
He draws a connection between the environmental impacts of deep-sea cable laying and the colonial history of exploitation, positioning his narrative within contemporary global issues.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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