Summary

Host Elena Lappin interviews acclaimed novelist Ben Markovits about his Booker-shortlisted novel THE REST OF OUR LIVES. Tom's wife Amy had an affair many years ago, and now that their youngest daughter is leaving home, Tom is supposedly ready to end his marriage. But will he? Markovits talks about the complexities of navigating middle age, focusing on the narrowing options individuals face as they grow older. It explores the idea of self-experimentation and the potential for personal growth, while also addressing the emotional challenges of leaving behind a previous life. The discussion highlights the tension between the desire for change and the reality of established life paths.

Keywords

middle age, life choices, parenthood, self-experimentation, happiness, personal growth, life course, change, identity, marriage, infidelity

Takeaways

One of the problems with middle age is the illusion of choices.

As you get older, the options narrow significantly.

People often struggle with the idea of their life course being set.

Self-experimentation can lead to unexpected happiness.

You can do almost anything to yourself and still find joy.

The heart of Tom's predicament lies in his sense of possibility.

Embracing change is essential for personal growth.

Betraying the past can be a part of moving forward.

Middle age brings a unique set of challenges and opportunities.

Understanding one's capacity for change is crucial.

Sound bites

"The options narrow as you get older."

"It might not even make you unhappy."

"Experimentation can lead to happiness."

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Keywords

Charlotte Mendelson, Wife, lesbian marriage, relationships, narcissism, family dynamics, literature, emotional complexity, storytelling, character development, contemporary fiction

Episode Summary

In this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, bestselling novelist Charlotte Mendelson discusses her latest novel, WIFE, which intricately explores the dynamics of a lesbian marriage between Zoe and Penny. Through a reading from the book, Mendelson delves into the complexities of their relationship, the themes of desire, control, and the impact of narcissism. The conversation also touches on the inspiration behind the novel, the portrayal of lesbian relationships in literature, and the challenges of writing about intimate subjects. Mendelson's sharp wit and insightful observations provide a rich exploration of personal and family relationships, making this episode a compelling listen for fans of contemporary literature.

Takeaways

Charlotte Mendelson's 'Wife' explores the intricacies of a lesbian marriage.

The novel is structured around two timelines: a 20-year relationship and its final day.

Zoe, the protagonist, embodies a nurturing spirit contrasted with Penny's assertiveness.

Mendelson aims to depict the complexities of desire and control in relationships.

The book addresses the theme of narcissism and its impact on personal relationships.

Mendelson's writing reflects her experiences and observations of family dynamics.

The portrayal of lesbian relationships in literature is evolving, yet still faces stereotypes.

Mendelson emphasizes the importance of authenticity in storytelling.

The challenges of writing about intimate subjects are significant for authors.

Gardening serves as a metaphor for personal growth and emotional complexity in Mendelson's work.

Titles

Unpacking 'Wife': A Deep Dive into Relationships

Charlotte Mendelson on Love, Loss, and Literature

Chapters

00:00 Exploring 'Wife': A Reading from the Novel

05:48 Character Dynamics: Zoe and Penny's Relationship

20:12 The Complexity of Desire and Control

29:22 Narcissism in Relationships: A Deeper Look

43:54 The Inspiration Behind 'Wife' and Its Themes

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Summary

In this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lapin engages with Armand Dungour, a professor of classics, to explore the themes of love as presented in Plato's Symposium. D'Angour discusses the historical context of the text, the various perspectives on love presented by its speakers, and the philosophical implications of Socrates' teachings. The conversation delves into the relevance of these ancient ideas in modern times, emphasizing the importance of understanding love's complexities and the influence of historical figures like Socrates and Diotima. D'Angour also shares insights into his own work and passion for making classical texts accessible to contemporary audiences.

Takeaways

The Symposium presents multiple viewpoints on love through its characters.

Socrates' teachings on love are influenced by his relationship with Diotima.

Love is portrayed as a harmonizing force in both personal and societal contexts.

The dialogue emphasizes the importance of true love over mere physical attraction.

Understanding love requires recognizing its complexities and nuances.

Plato's work remains relevant in modern discussions about love and relationships.

The concept of platonic love is rooted in Socratic philosophy.

Armand D'Angour aims to make classical texts accessible to modern readers.

The historical context of the Symposium enriches its themes of love.

Music and literature are intertwined in the exploration of ancient ideas. 

Keywords

Plato, Symposium, love, ancient texts, Socrates, Diotima, modern lovers, philosophy, classics, Armand D'Angour

Titles

Unraveling Love: Insights from Plato's Symposium

Socrates and Diotima: The Philosophical Foundations of Love

Sound bites

"An ancient guide for modern lovers."

"Love inspires creation."

"What matters is who you love."

Chapters

00:00 Exploring the Concept of Love in Ancient Texts

19:55 The Influence of Socrates and Diotima

39:05 Diverse Perspectives on Love: The Symposium's Speakers

47:45 Socrates and the Nature of True Love

01:04:43 Bridging Ancient and Modern Understandings of Love

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Summary

In this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, bestselling German-Austrian author Daniel Kehlmann speaks to host Elena Lappin about his latest novel, The Director, which explores the life and work of Austrian director G.W. Pabst during the Nazi regime. Kehlmann delves into the complexities of being a director, the moral implications of artistic choices under totalitarianism, and the challenges of using real historical figures in fiction. He reflects on his cultural identity, the influence of iconic actresses like Louise Brooks, and the importance of the author's voice in storytelling. The conversation also touches on the tragic story of Jakob, a character in his novel, and the dark side of human nature in literature.

THE DIRECTOR is published by riverrun, an imprint of Quercus (Hachette).

Daniel Kehlmann is also the author of MEASURING THE WORLD, TYLL, and other novels.

Keywords

Daniel Kehlmann, The Director, G.W. Pabst, historical fiction, totalitarianism, artistic compromise, cultural identity, novel writing, film direction, Louise Brooks,PG Woodehouse, Nazi regime, Hollywood, Austria. Germany

Takeaways

Daniel Kehlmann explores the complexities of being a director in film.

The role of a director is to create a collaborative illusion of reality.

Kehlmann's cultural background influences his writing and themes.

Novelists often draw from real historical figures to create compelling narratives.

The moral implications of artistic choices during totalitarian regimes are profound.

Everyday life under totalitarianism can lead to complicity in small ways.

Researching historical figures requires a balance of fact and creative interpretation.

Louise Brooks serves as a significant influence in Kelman's narrative.

The challenge of using real characters in fiction raises ethical questions.

Kelman emphasizes the importance of the author's voice in storytelling.

Sound bites

"I create a version of reality that I think is probable."

"I hope I would have done the right thing."

"I'm everywhere in my novel. I'm in the atmosphere."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Daniel Kelman and His Work

01:15 The Role of a Director in Film

03:52 Personal Geography and Cultural Identity

07:29 The Novelist's Approach to Themes

10:14 Resurrecting Historical Figures in Fiction

12:06 Exploring G.W. Pabst's Life and Choices

15:05 The Complicity of Everyday Life Under Totalitarianism

18:58 The Impact of Totalitarian Regimes on Artists

21:57 Researching Historical Characters

24:59 The Influence of Louise Brooks

29:01 The Dilemma of Using Real Characters

30:06 The Challenge of Fictionalizing History

32:02 Imagining Lost Films and Artistic Freedom

35:00 The Moral Complexity of Compromise

38:42 The Nature of Compromise in Art

41:59 The Role of Minor Characters

43:43 Finding the Author's Voice in Fiction

45:37 The Tragic Story of Jakob

50:21 The Artistic Process of a Director

54:47 The Author's Presence in the Narrative

59:37 Inserting Humor and Wit into Serious Themes

01:03:49 The Dark Side of Human Nature

01:07:19 The Author's Writing Process and Future Projects

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Notes:

Summary

In this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lappin engages with acclaimed Irish novelist Colm Tóibín, discussing his latest work, Long Island, a sequel to Brooklyn. The conversation explores Tóibín's writing process, the significance of silence in dialogue, the evolution of recurring characters, and the interplay between personal experiences and historical contexts in his narratives. Tóibín reflects on the role of politics in personal stories and the complexities of human relationships, while also addressing the future of Irish literature and his current projects.

keywords

Colm Tóibín, Long Island, Brooklyn, Irish literature, writing process, silence in literature, character development, historical context, personal narratives, solitude in writing

takeaways

• Colm Tóibín's writing often reflects the complexities of human relationships.
• Silence plays a crucial role in Tóibín's narratives, allowing readers to fill in the gaps.
• The influence of film can reshape a writer's perspective on their characters.
• Tóibín emphasizes the importance of personal experience in crafting fiction.
• Recurring characters in Tóibín's work evolve over time, reflecting their journeys.
• Historical context enriches the narratives, providing depth to personal stories.
• Tóibín believes that the novel should focus on the human heart rather than political backdrops.
• The writing process involves both inspiration and meticulous editing.
• Tóibín's characters often experience solitude, which shapes their identities.
• The future of Irish literature is diverse, with each writer carving their own path.

titles

• Exploring the depths of Long Island and other titles by Colm Tóibín
• The Art of Silence in Literature

Sound Bites

• "He left silence."
• "You need to work blindly sometimes."
• '"John Banville is the genius among us"

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Colm Tóibín and Long Island

02:34

The Impact of Brooklyn the film on writing Long Island

05:55

Silence and Dialogue in Writing

08:52

The Craft of Writing: Inspiration and Process

11:37

Recurring Characters and Their Evolution

14:47

Historical Context in Fiction

17:25

The Role of Politics in Personal Narratives

20:46

Writing About Real People and Events

23:24

The Complexity of Human Relationships

26:26

Exploring Solitude and Distance in Characters

29:37

The Influence of Personal Experience on Writing

32:17

The Future of Irish Literature

35:10

Current Projects and Future Aspirations

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Keywords

Sarah Moss, Ripeness, identity, memory, immigration, belonging, family, writing, creativity, genetics, love, women’s lives, parents, ballet

Summary

In this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lapin converses with bestselling author Sarah Moss about her new novel, Ripeness. The discussion delves into themes of identity, memory, and the immigrant experience, as well as the dual perspectives of the protagonist, Edith, who navigates her life as both a teenager in 1960s Italy and an elderly woman in contemporary Ireland. Moss reflects on the complexities of family relationships, the nature of writing, and the impact of history on personal identity.

Takeaways

• Ripeness explores the theme of what it means to be a foreigner.
• The novel is structured around dual perspectives of the protagonist, Edith.
• Moss emphasizes the importance of memory in writing.
• Family dynamics play a crucial role in shaping identity.
• The book addresses the complexities of immigration and belonging.
• Moss reflects on the historical context of her characters' lives.
• The narrative intertwines personal stories with broader social issues.
• Moss discusses the challenges of writing about trauma and recovery.
• The concept of 'ripeness' relates to maturity and timing in life.
• Moss believes in the importance of caring about the world in writing.
• 
  

Novelist Sarah Moss joins host Elena Lappin to discuss her extraordinary new novel RIPENESS. It is a stunning work of fiction from the author of SUMMERWATER, GHOST WALL, and most recently, the memoir MY GOOD BRIGHT WOLF.

Read more on Elena Lappin’s Substack elenalappin.substack.com

'I am always writing fiction in the cracks of history.' said Moss.

Other memorable quotes from this conversation:

'This novel is an elegy for an era we just lost.'

'Moving to Ireland made me think about identity.'

Sarah Moss lives in Dublin.

RIPENESS is published by Picador.

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In the latest episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lapin engages in an illuminating conversation with the acclaimed novelist and memoirist André Aciman. Known for his deeply moving narratives and exploration of themes such as belonging, memory, and love, Aciman shares insights into his latest novella, Room on the Sea. (published by Faber). 

The episode opens with Aciman discussing his journey as a writer, from his early experiences in Egypt to his current life in New York City. He reflects on the complexities of identity and the impact of his multicultural background on his writing. Aciman's works often delve into the nuances of human relationships, and Room on the Sea is no exception. He describes the novella as a story that unfolds between two strangers who meet as prospective jurors, exploring the unexpected possibilities that arise from their connection.

Listeners will be captivated by Aciman's eloquent storytelling and his ability to weave together personal anecdotes with literary analysis. He discusses the significance of memory in his work, drawing parallels to his own life experiences as an exile. The conversation also touches on the role of language and how his mother’s deafness shaped his relationship with words.

Read more on this conversation (including a full transcript) on Elena Lappin's Substack elenalappin.substack.com.

Thank you for listening.

As the episode progresses, Aciman shares his thoughts on the romantic undertones of Room on the Sea, likening the dynamics between his characters to the classic love story of Wuthering Heights. The dialogue between the protagonists reveals their longing for connection amidst the constraints of their respective marriages, showcasing Aciman's talent for capturing the complexities of human emotion.

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Caroline O’Donoghue is one of the most talented and original writers on the British literary scene. In 2018, I interviewed her for a different podcast, about her excellent debut novel Promising Young Women. I loved that novel’s deep seriousness, along with its provocative humour and cinematic pacing. She was a debut author unafraid to be both open and fragile.

Since then, she has written two bestselling adult novels (SCENES OF A GRAPHIC NATURE and THE RACHEL INCIDENT), and the very popular YA fantasy series ALL OUR HIDDEN GIFTS. SKIPSHOCK is the first book in a new series which may also be categorised as YA and fantasy, but for me, it is just a wonderful, genre-bending read about two young people in a dystopian world controlled by the all-powerful currency of time. It feels as surreal and familiar as The Matrix.

Caroline O’Donoghue is also a screenwriter and an award-winning podcaster (Sentimental Garbage). Meeting her again after seven years, I was curious to hear how she does all this with such a strong sense of purpose. She is fun, witty and charming, but what is most interesting is her sharp analysis of where her very original ideas come from, and how she refuses to be categorised - and misunderstood.

Born in Cork, Ireland, Caroline O’Donoghue now lives in London. She has a unique take on the new wave of Irish literary talent, which she both admires and does not feel connected to.

Of course I am an Irish writer, but I am also a London writer.

Not unlike some of her fictional heroines, Caroline O’Donoghue defines her own path, with a great sense of freedom and a very adventurous imagination.

I bet the next seven years. will be full of even more surprises.

SHIPSHOCK is published by Walker Books.

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We recorded this podcast with Megan Hunter at Pritchard & Ure, an unusual bookshop/cafe/gallery in Camden, above a garden centre. It’s a place that feels both buzzy and peaceful, and not unlike this author, full of surprises. Before we sat down to talk, Megan enjoyed the books on display, floating among them like a radiant book fairy. She pointed to many of the titles as volumes she loved or knew or had at home (or all of the above). I showed her a few carefully wrapped antiquarian volumes (several first editions of Virginia Woolf’s novels, for example), which happen to be closely linked to the period and style of Megan Hunter’s new novel, Days of Light. She writes in a blue-painted shed in her garden in Cambridgeshire, she told me, and I could immediately see her there, writing on a sofa, no wifi, in a world of her own. A world she both imagines and inhabits with deep knowledge and feeling.

Her debut novel The End We Start From was almost a prose poem about new motherhood in dangerous times, and everything she writes, she says, ‘starts with the sentence’. This novel, too, is both fragile and robust, strong ideas distilled into delicate prose: “She marvels at the way a single day can unravel everything, like ribbon pulled from a present.” The narrative of Days of Light gently flows around six important days in the life of its protagonist, Ivy, a dreamy young girl when we meet her in 1938, full of poetic awe and love for her brother. She never loses that dreaminess as the world begins and continues to crumble around her, over many decades. Days of Light not only tells the very moving story of Ivy, but also of the many possibilities she plays with in her mind, because, well, they are all there.

At 28, I thought - is my life over, as a creative person? This novel is very much about new possibilities.

Megan Hunter speaks seriously but with an infectious smile and laugh as she reflects on being a mother (she has two children), religion (she studied to become an Anglican priest and this novel is luminous with her own take on faith), marriage (she married young), sexuality (her own has changed), poetry, literature, history, art, nature…. Each of her three novels has a different ring to it. I tell her that although Days of Light is clearly inspired by and partly set in the literary and artistic tableaux of the Bloomsbury Circle, I feel it has her very authentic own voice - on life and art.

There is a very intriguing bit of our conversation about how Megan Hunter adapts her own books into screenplays. She sees it as an opportunity to ‘make more changes to the original narrative’. Is a novel ever really finished? Or is there always more to explore, more possibilities…?

This novelist invites her readers to enjoy the unexpected, and to understand loss as part of one’s freedom to try yet another journey.

DAYS OF LIGHT BY MEGAN HUNTER

THE END WE START FROM (film)

Publisher: Picador (Pan Macmilllan)

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Elena Lappin interviews Booker-winning Irish novelist at home in Dublin about his life's work, and his most recent crime novels. THE DROWNED is published by Faber.

Includes a reading from THE DROWNED by John Callanan.

Read more on elenalappin.substack.com

Enjoy and comment! Thank you.

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Elena Lappin interviews Tessa Hadley

Tessa Hadley's novella The Party is published by Jonathan Cape.

The Party

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Buy Happy Death Club by Naomi Westerman

2-Part Halloween Special with playwright and writer Naomi Westerman

Interview by Elena Lappin

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POLAR VORTEX is a funny, moving, deeply personal and original graphic novel by cartoonist and writer Denise Dorrance. She talks to Elena Lappin about how she found a way to create art out of dealing with her mother’s dementia - during an ice storm.

POLAR VORTEX is published by New River (UK) and The Experiment Publishing (US).

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THE ROAD TO THE COUNTRY is Chigozie Obioma’s third novel, set in the time of Nigerian Civil War. In this podcast, we talk about how writing about a traumatic past can help us understand, and perhaps change, the present.

Elena Lappin’s Substack on Chigozie Obioma: elenalappin.substack.com

Credits:

Host: Elena Lappin

Guest: Chigozie Obioma

Creative Team:

Katherine Stroud, Publicity and Media (prcollective.co.uk)

Max Anstruther, Audio Producer (startsmallstudios.com)

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