Show Notes
International bestselling author, Ian McEwan, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his new novel 'What We Can Know'.
Optimistic manifesto? Or a cautious tale?
In the first half of the book, we learn about a lost poem - which is at the heart of the novel - as this is ultimately a book about a quest.
As well as poetry, they talk about renewable energies being on the rise and the positive conversations around climate change.
'you only have to stop doing bad things to nature, for it to push back quickly'
Here's more on the book:
2014: A great poem is read aloud and never heard again. For generations, people speculate about its message, but no copy has yet been found.2119: The lowlands of the UK have been submerged by rising seas. Those who survive are haunted by the richness of the world that has been lost.Tom Metcalfe, a scholar at the University of the South Downs, part of Britain's remaining archipelagos, pores over the archives of the early twenty-first century, captivated by the freedoms and possibilities of human life at its zenith.When he stumbles across a clue that may lead to the great lost poem, revelations of entangled love and a brutal crime emerge, destroying his assumptions about a story he thought he knew intimately.
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!