About this episode

Ross Barkan discusses his novel Colossus and the complexities of its protagonist, Teddy Starr.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Kyler Bingham

Guest: Ross Barkan

Topics covered

• novel
• character analysis
• American success story
• materialism
• literary culture

Keywords

• Ross Barkan
• Colossus
• Teddy Starr
• American success
• literary magazine
• Metropolitan Review
• materialism

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Metropolitan Review

Books & works: Colossus

Places: Michigan

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