Show Notes
Anna and Geoff discuss the 2026 Women's Prize for Fiction Shortlist. Is it more commercial than usual?
Our book of the week is LÁZÁR by Nelio Biedermann translated by Jamie Bulloch. This sweeping historical novel about the aristocratic von Lázár family during the 20th century from the Austro Hungarian empire through to Russian occupation is a buzzy debut which has received much praise. Patti Smith, Dua Lipa and Christian Kracht are fans.
It prompted some questions: Is One Hundred years of Solitude a good comparison?
What is the meaning of the translucent skin and gothic forest?
Can you spot the modern literature references (Anna missed most of them!)
Here are some read-alikes if you enjoyed Lázár: Held by Anne Michaels
Beddebrooks by Thomas Mann
The Director by Daniel Kehlmann translated by Ross Benjamin
The Radetzky March by Joseph Roth translated by Michael Hofmann
Coming up: TRANSCRIPTION by Ben Lerner Follow us! Email: [email protected] Instagram: @abailliekaras Substack: Books On The Go Credits Artwork: Sascha Wilkosz
More from Books On The Go
Anna and Geoff react to the 2026 Booker Prize Shortlist.
Anna and Geoff discuss the Singapore government paying people to read books, and the 2026 National Book Awards longlist for fiction.
Anna and Geoff discuss the challenges facing our local bookstores: rising taxes in the UK and a cyber-hacking event affecting a major distributor in Australia. We also take a look at the current front-runners for the Booker Prize.
Anna and Geoff discuss THE PALM HOUSE by Gwendoline Riley. Set in London, it centres on friends Laura and Putnam, both journalists facing a changing work landscape. It is longlisted for the 2026 Booker Prize.
A special episode: Anna and Geoff are joined by Kate Slotover of the Book Club Review Podcast, on location in London. We discuss our top holiday reading recommendations.