Most of my favorite conversations about literature have been with David Powlison, and most of those conversations have been spontaneous, leaving me to scribble down notes on whatever paper was close. But six years ago, in the spring of 2009, over dinner in a restaurant, I wised up, brought a handheld recorder, got his permission to record, and then asked him about the novels that have most shaped his ministry.
As you might expect, he commended Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. But first he commended Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton. Here’s what he said (6-minute audio):
Tony Reinke 
I’m just starting to read Cry, The Beloved Country at the request of Dr. Powlison. There’s a point in this interview (towards the end) when he’s talking about vicarious knowledge of the human experience through reading and watching films where Dr. Powlison said he had his class read 3 novels and watch 3 films. Is there any way to find out what they were?
Thank you!
Anna
GREAT suggestion Anna. I’m on it, and I just emailed him.