Episode 215 with Alexander Stille, Author and Journalist

Today I’m joined by Alexander Stille, an acclaimed author and journalist whose work has helped illuminate some of the most complex corners of Italian history, politics, and culture. From his examinations of Jewish life under fascism, to his investigations into the Sicilian Mafia, to his portraits of power, family, and memory, Alexander’s books bridge rigorous reporting with deeply human storytelling.In our conversation, we explore how his upbringing, shaped in part by his father’s career as a prominent journalist in Italy, helped form his worldview and his path as a writer. We talk about what first drew him to study Italy, how his interests have evolved across decades of research, and the insights he’s gained from works like Benevolence and Betrayal, Excellent Cadavers, and The Sack of Rome. We also discuss his more personal memoir, The Force of Things, as well as his recent look at American counterculture in The Sullivanians.Beyond his books, Alexander reflects on the shifting landscape of journalism, and some of the most misunderstood aspects of Italian history. And since he’s spent time on the North Fork, we also talk about what first brought him here.