Show Notes
Pulitzer Prize winning author, Elizabeth Strout, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about her brilliant new novel, 'The Things We Never Say'. She talks about her writing routine, inspirations, listening to conversations, making every word count - and - why returning to characters and worlds is so enjoyable. They also discuss writing about covid, and the joy of discovering what your book is about halfway through writing it! Here's the blurb for Elizabeth's novel:
Artie Dam is a man with a secret. He spends his days teaching history to high schoolers, expanding their young minds, correcting their casual cruelties, and lending a kind word to those who need it most. He goes to holiday parties with his wife of three decades, makes small talk with neighbours, and, on weekends, takes his sailboat out on the beautiful Massachusetts Bay. He is, by all appearances, present and alive. But inside, Artie is plagued by feelings of isolation. He looks out at a world gone mad―at himself and the people around him―and turns a question over and over in his mind: how is it that we know so little about one another, even those closest to us?
And then, one day, Artie learns that life has been keeping a secret from him, one that threatens to upend his entire world. Once he learns it, he is forced to chart a new course, to reconsider the relationships he holds most dear―and to make peace with the mysteries at the heart of our existence.
More from Simon Mayo's Books of the Year
Sebastian Faulks joins Simon and Matt for a natter about some of his favourite authors and books. He tells us about the first book he ever bought with his own money, what he would have liked to have done for a career if he hadn't become a hugely successful bestselling author - and - reveals who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party. We also surprise Sebastian with a question from fellow author and friend - William Boyd!
Multimillion bestselling author, Sebastian Faulks, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his brilliant new novel 'Farewell To Eden'. They chat about the inspirations for the story - which are rooted in Sebastian's father's own experiences - and have a not-so-heated debate about Gilbert & Sullivan. And after being prompted by a listener email - Simon also asks Sebastian about Homer's 'Odyssey' - and whether it is worth our time... Here's a little more about 'Farewell To Eden': Philip Deval, a soldier recently returned from the beaches of Normandy, arrives in Palestine on a peace-keeping mission in the final days of the British Mandate. The Sea of Galilee glitters in the distance as war-weary troops marvel at the novelty of oranges and sun – a paradise that belies a fierce new conflict about to erupt.
Journalist, broadcaster and author Jon Ronson joins Simon and Matt for a spot of Q&A. We learn about the authors he loves reading, how he orders his bookshelves, other careers he wanted to pursue - and - who he'd invite to his fantasy dinner party!
Journalist and bestselling author, Jon Ronson, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his brilliant new book 'The Castle'. They discuss the manosphere, masculinity, performative male...and how the idea for this book came from his own son's story of being lured into a mysterious castle in the forest... Here's a little more info on the book:
International bestselling author, Robert Harris, joins Simon and Matt for a spot of Q&A. He recommends us some books, reveals his writing routine, tells us about his amazing collection of books - and of course, tells us who he'd invite to his fantasy dinner party! We also surprise him with a question from author and Literary Editor of The Spectator, Sam Leith!