Best Lori Feathers Podcasts (2025)

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A Fortunate Man: Henrik Pontoppidan’s Masterwork with Nick During (NYRB) 1:04:20

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8h ago1:04:20

1:04:20

This week on The Big Book Project I’m joined by Nick During, publicist at New York Review Books, for a deep dive into Henrik Pontoppidan’s monumental novel A Fortunate Man translated by Paul Larkin. Pontoppidan, who won the 1917 Nobel Prize in Literature, gives us one of the great portraits of ambition, love, and disillusionment at the turn of the …

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120. Tom Cox, "Everything Will Swallow You" 51:38

3h ago51:38

51:38

Writer and music critic Tom Cox joins us for an engaging discussion of his latest novel, Everything Will Swallow You, a beautiful, unusual depiction of friendship set in southwest England. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam Jordison I…

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Exploring Antonio Lobo Antunes: Memory, Trauma, and Portuguese Literature with Chad W. Post 46:24

8d ago46:24

46:24

Join host Lori Feathers and guest Chad W. Post (Dalkey Archive Press & Open Letter Books) as they dive into the world of Portuguese writer António Lobo Antunes, one of the most significant literary voices of the last 50 years. They discuss Antunes’s groundbreaking style—shifting voices, fragmented memory, and narrative consciousness—as well as the …

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119. Miranda Mellis, "Crocosmia" 48:08

13d ago48:08

48:08

We discuss some of the new words added to the Cambridge Dictionary, and a fascinating discussion with writer Miranda Mellis about her new book Crocosmia, a hopeful, redemptive climate crisis novel. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam J…

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118. Josephine Rowe, "Little World" 42:49

1M ago42:49

42:49

Sam battles AI tech bros; we chat with author Josephine Rowe about her new novel Little World, published by Transit Books. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam Jordison Instagram: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, …

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117. Issa Quincy, "Absence" 37:12

1M ago37:12

37:12

Galley Beggar Press wants your short story; gearing up for Henry James at The Big Book Project; and we talk to writer Issa Quincy about his recent novel Absence, a cross-border exploraton of marginalization, published by Two Dollar Radio. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Pres…

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The Kindly Ones: That Ending! 1:07:53

1M ago1:07:53

1:07:53

In this final conversation on The Kindly Ones, I’m joined again by Tom Flynn to explore the last chaotic stretch of Jonathan Littell’s massive and deeply unsettling novel. We talk about the feverish pacing, the bizarre turns, and the chilling final scenes—from Max biting Hitler’s nose to the feral children in the woods. Does the book fall apart, or…

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What Makes Big Books Work? Abundance, Complexity, and the Joy of Long Novels with James Elkins 1:05:37

2M ago1:05:37

1:05:37

Why do some readers gravitate toward sprawling, ambitious novels that take weeks—or even months—to read? What is it about long books that makes them so immersive, so risky, and so rewarding? In this episode of The Big Book Project, Lori Feathers is joined once again by writer and professor James Elkins for an in-depth conversation about the magic a…

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116. Catherine Lacey, "The Möbius Book" 43:31

2M ago43:31

43:31

Catherine Lacey returns to the podcast to talk about The Möbius Book; reportedly, Patricia Highsmith was a hard boss; Lori is interviewed on Beyond the Zero podcast; kudos to the second annual Inside Literary Prize, judged by 300 men and women incarcerated in the US. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lori-feathers/id1578980767?i=1000717836220 T…

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Confronting Atrocity: The Kindly Ones, Moral Complicity, and the Ethics of Reading Difficult Books (with Brad Costa) 49:45

2M ago49:45

49:45

https://substack.com/@thebigbookproject In this episode of The Big Book Project, Lori sits down with Brad Costa, sales representative for W.W. Norton and an extraordinary reader, to discuss Jonathan Littell’s The Kindly Ones. Brad brings a unique perspective as someone who worked in library archives with Holocaust materials, offering profound insig…

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115. Jonathan Gibbs, "Randall" 47:46

2M ago47:46

47:46

Author Jonathan Gibbs joins us to talk about his novel Randall, published in the UK by Sam's Galley Beggar Press eleven years ago but just now making it to the US thanks to new independent publisher, Tivoli Books. The fictional Randall is a visual artist in 1990s London during the reign of the provocative Young British Artists (YBAs). Thank you for…

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The Kindly Ones: Holocaust Literature, Bureaucratic Evil, and the Banality of Horror 56:53

2M ago56:53

56:53

In this episode of The Big Book Project, Lori Feathers is joined by Professor Dorian Stuber for a deep dive into Jonathan Littell’s The Kindly Ones. They explore the book’s place within Holocaust literature, its historical accuracy, and the challenges it poses to readers and educators alike. From the banality of evil to the controversial portrayal …

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114. Wendy Erskine, "The Benefactors" 47:01

3M ago47:01

47:01

Writers beware of the TikTok publishing model, and we chat with Wendy Erskine about her exuberant, polyvocal novel, The Benefactors. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam Jordison Instagram: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interaba…

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Five Strange Languages: James Elkins on Long Novels, Memory, and the Art of Digression 53:50

3M ago53:50

53:50

In this episode of The Big Book Project, Lori Feathers sits down with art historian, theorist, and novelist James Elkins to discuss his new book A Short Introduction to Anneliese published by Unnamed Press—the second novel in his five-volume literary experiment, Five Strange Languages. James shares the 20-year journey behind this sprawling, genre-d…

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The Kindly Ones: Stalingrad, The Harpies, and the Horror of History (with Tom Flynn) 52:06

3M ago52:06

52:06

Tom Flynn returns to The Big Book Project to continue our group read of Jonathan Littell’s The Kindly Ones—this time tackling pages 333–427, a harrowing descent into the frozen siege of Stalingrad. Lori and Tom unpack the disturbing realism and psychological depth of the novel, exploring themes of unreliable narration, classical tragedy, and the ma…

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113. Megan Hunter, "Days of Light" 37:47

3M ago37:47

37:47

Author Megan Hunter joins us to talk about her new novel, Days of Light, that depicts fifty years in the life of a British woman who learns to find value and purpose within the deepest mysteries of her life. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feath…

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112. Seán Hewitt, "Open, Heaven" 47:16

4M ago47:16

47:16

Galley Beggar Press's own Mark Bowles is shortlisted for a first novel prize; Sam stays up too late celebrating. We talk to writer Seán Hewitt about his novel Open, Heaven, an exquisitely written, first love narrative set in the English countryside. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley …

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Memory, War, and Translation: David McKay on The Remembered Soldier by Anjet Daanje 40:00

4M ago40:00

40:00

https://substack.com/@thebigbookproject In this episode of The Big Book Project, host Lori Feathers is joined by acclaimed translator David McKay to explore The Remembered Soldier, the haunting and deeply psychological novel by Anjet Daanje, newly released in English by New Vessel Press. This episode unpacks the long journey of bringing The Remembe…

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111. Vijay Khurana "The Passenger Seat" 36:16

4M ago36:16

36:16

Are male literary writers underrepresented in today's publishing scene? And we talk to Vijay Khurana about his timely first novel, The Passenger Seat, which explores contemporary masculinity. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam Jordiso…

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110. Laurent Binet, "Perspective(s)" 43:51

5M ago43:51

43:51

French author Laurent Binet joins us to talk about his latest novel Perspective(s), translated by Sam Taylor, a murder mystery set in the art world of Renaissance Florence. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam Jordison Instagram: Across…

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Legacy, Silence, and Symbolism in Agaat: What the Maps and Diaries Really Mean 9:42

5M ago9:42

9:42

https://substack.com/@thebigbookproject In this solo episode of The Big Book Project, host Lori Feathers returns to reflect on the latest section of Agaat by Marlene van Niekerk—around page 300—and dives into the nuanced layers of communication, legacy, and emotional power that define this extraordinary novel. As Milla’s physical condition deterior…

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109. Jonathan Coe, "The Proof of My Innocence" 40:52

5M ago40:52

40:52

We are joined by the brilliant writer Jonathan Coe to discuss his latest novel, The Proof of My Innocence, a pastiche of genre fiction and insightful critique of contemporary politics. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam Jordison Insta…

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108. "The Frog in the Throat" by Markus Werner with translator Michael Hofmann 38:03

6M ago38:03

38:03

We brag about having poet, critic, and translator extraordinaire Michael Hofmann on the show, and then we talk to him about his latest work in translation, The Frog in the Throat by Markus Werner, out now from New York Review of Books Classics. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Begga…

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The Power of Agaat: Publishing, Politics, and Literary Brilliance with Tin House’s Nanci McCloskey 24:39

6M ago24:39

24:39

In this special episode of The Big Book Project, host Lori Feathers is joined by Nanci McCloskey—Associate Publisher and Director of Sales & Marketing at Tin House Books—to kick off our next group read: Agaat by Marlene van Niekerk. 📚 Agaat is a psychological epic set in apartheid-era South Africa, told through the complex relationship between two …

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Unraveling 2666: Literary Obsession, Violence, and the Mystery of Archimboldi with Tom Flynn 52:40

6M ago52:40

52:40

In this episode of The Big Book Project, Lori Feathers is joined by literary critic and bookseller Tom Flynn for an in-depth discussion of Roberto Bolaño’s 2666. As we near the end of our 11-week deep dive, we explore the novel’s most compelling themes—literary obsession, systemic violence, and the enigmatic figure of Archimboldi. 📖 Key Topics Disc…

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107. House of Fury by Evelio Rosero with translator Victor Meadowcroft 46:02

6M ago46:02

46:02

We celebrate prize winners: Galley Beggar Short Story Prize and Republic of Consciousness Prize, US & Canada!! And translator Victor Meadowcroft joins us to talk about House of Fury by Evelio Rosero out now from New Directions. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interaba…

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How to Lose Your Humanity: Systemic Violence and Society’s Indifference in 2666 13:35

7M ago13:35

13:35

In this episode of The Big Book Project, Lori Feathers unpacks one of the most haunting themes in Roberto Bolaño’s 2666: the slow erosion of humanity in the face of systemic violence. Through the lens of The Part About Archimboldi, we explore the chilling parallels between Nazi Germany and the fictional town of Santa Teresa—modeled after the real-l…

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106. Jón Kalman Stefánsson, "Heaven and Hell" 37:28

6M ago37:28

37:28

It's prize shortlist season! And, we have a fascinating discussion with author Jón Kalman Stefánsson about Heaven and Hell, the first novel in his Icelandic trilogy, Heaven and Hell. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam Jordison Instagr…

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105. Steve Stern, "A Fool's Kabbalah" 43:16

7M ago43:16

43:16

Author Steve Stern joins us for his second appearance on the pod to talk about his latest novel, A Fool's Kabbalah, about one man's quest to recover Judaic texts following the ravages of WWII. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam Jordis…

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The Collective Guilt in 2666: Society’s Role in the Crimes 17:45

7M ago17:45

17:45

https://substack.com/@thebigbookproject In this episode of The Big Book Project, Lori Feathers continues the deep dive into Roberto Bolaño’s 2666, focusing on the second section of The Part About the Crimes. As the narrative unfolds, we examine the harrowing depiction of systemic complicity in the Santa Teresa femicides. From the corruption of the …

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Unmasking the Banality of Evil: The Harrowing Crimes in Roberto Bolaño’s 2666 22:19

7M ago22:19

22:19

In this gripping episode of The Big Book Project, host Lori Feathers dives into the most haunting and unrelenting section of Roberto Bolaño’s 2666—The Part About the Crimes. This chapter confronts readers with a relentless account of femicides in the border town of Santa Teresa. Lori explores why Bolaño meticulously details the murders of more than…

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104. Ali Smith, "Gliff" 41:47

7M ago41:47

41:47

A new, indie friendly platform for buying e-books; we have a great discussion with the prolific and wonderous Ali Smith about her latest novel, Gliff! Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam Jordison Instagram: Across the Pond, Galley Begg…

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Treading Water in a Sea of Semblances: Fate, Violence, and the Illusion of Reality in 2666 15:21

7M ago15:21

15:21

In this episode of The Big Book Project, host Lori Feathers delves into Part Three of Roberto Bolaño’s 2666, The Part About Fate. Through the lens of Oscar Fate’s journey, we explore themes of identity, violence, and the fragile boundary between reality and illusion. Key discussion points include: 🔹 Barry Seaman’s speech on fate, dreams, and sembla…

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103. Holly Pester, "The Lodgers" 46:03

8M ago46:03

46:03

We talk about our 2025 literary projects, and writer Holly Pester joins us to discuss her novel on the precarity of temporary living spaces, The Lodgers, Assembly Press's submssion for the 2024 Republic of Consciousness Prize, US & Canada. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Pre…

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2666 Book Discussion: Fate, Coincidence, and the Search for Archimboldi 37:01

8M ago37:01

37:01

In this episode of The Big Book Project, we delve into the second half of Part One of Roberto Bolaño's 2666, focusing on the critics' journey to Mexico in search of the elusive author, Archimboldi. The episode explores several key themes, including the unsettling encounter with the self-mutilating artist, Edwin Johns, and his chilling philosophy on…

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102. "Wuthering Heights" 43:10

8M ago43:10

43:10

Sam and Lori discuss Emily Brontë's classic novel of revenge on the moors--Wuthering Heights! Does this novel live up to its reputation? We have a friendly difference of opinion. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam Jordison Instagram: …

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Unpacking the Depths of Big Books: Introducing The Big Book Project and Roberto Bolaño's 2666 4:55

9M ago4:55

4:55

Welcome to The Big Book Project, a multi-platform reading experience for lovers of long and intricate novels. Hosted by Lori Feathers, this podcast explores capacious works of fiction, ranging from 19th-century classics to contemporary masterpieces. These novels, rich in style, complex in structure, and abundant in themes, provide an unparalleled o…

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101. Graeme Macrae Burnet, "A Case of Matricide" 36:05

9M ago36:05

36:05

A Doestoevsky short story goes viral on Tik-Tok, and we talk to A Case of Matricide author Graeme Macrae Burnet about proxies, accomplices, and doppelgangers in the not-so-quiet French town of Saint Louis. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feather…

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100th Episode with Dan Wells 44:55

9M ago44:55

44:55

We celebrate this, our 100th episode! Thank you for listening! And we chat with publisher and book store owner, Dan Wells, to mark the occassion of the 20th anniversary of his wonderful literary press, Biblioasis. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori…

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99. Rita Bullwinkel, "Headshot" 51:49

10M ago51:49

51:49

The dying art of the honest book review; and Rita Bullwinkel is our guest to talk about her novel Headshot, which takes us into the lives and minds of eight young women competing at a boxing tournament in Reno, Nevada. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books,…

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98. Rodrigo Fresán, "Melvill" 42:49

10M ago42:49

42:49

The Cure's Robert Smith continues legacy of writing songs rich with literary references; and we talk to author Rodrigo Fresán about his new novel Melvill, imagining the interior lives of Herman Melville and his father Allan, who had a significant influnece on his son's work. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X…

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97. Mark Haber, "Lesser Ruins" 52:46

11M ago52:46

52:46

The release of "Patriot,," Alexei Navalny's collected prison diaries; do book festivals still have value? And we are joined by Mark Haber, whose latest novel, Lesser Ruins, is a wonderfully funny and heartfelt story about a middle-aged college professor who spends a lot of time thinking about yet never writing, what is supposed to be his life's wor…

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96. Sam Mills, "The Watermark" 49:39

11M ago49:39

49:39

Our recent guest, Mark Bowles, makes the Goldsmiths Prize shortlist; reading, or not, at elite US colleges; and Sam Mills is our guest to talk about her very meta literary adventure novel. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam Jordison I…

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95. Mark Bowles "All My Precious Madness" 53:02

12M ago53:02

53:02

Publishers' costs: printing vs AI; even more love for libraries; we chat with Mark Bowles about the erudite, grumpy narrator of his captivating new novel, All My Precious Madness. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam Jordison Instagram:…

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94. Jamie Quatro, " Two-Step Devil" 40:45

1y ago40:45

40:45

National Novel Writing Month takes a hit for its position on AI; the 20th anniversary of a novel we love: Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell; and we visit with writer Jamie Quatro on her novel Two-Step Devil about an outsider artist in Appalachia who professes to be a prophet of God. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear…

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93. Noémi Kiss-Deáki, "Mary and the Rabbit Dream" 46:51

1y ago46:51

46:51

A home robbery is thwarted when the thief gets distracted by a book; what's the latest trend in book cover art?; and we talk to writer Noémi Kiss-Deáki on her novel Mary and the Rabbit Dream, based on the true story of Mary Toft, a woman believed to have given birth to rabbits. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at…

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92. Claire Kilroy, "Soldier Sailor" 51:33

1y ago51:33

51:33

Liverpool library defies riots and fire; the inaugural Inside Literary Prize; and writer Claire Kilroy joins us to talk about Soldier Sailor, her striking novel on the precarity and joy of early motherhood. Inside Literary Prize https://www.innovatingjustice.org/publications/inside-prize-podcast https://www.innovatingjustice.org/publications/inside…

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91. Kazim Ali, "Indian Winter" 46:53

1y ago46:53

46:53

Scandal at the Hugo Awards; Do straight guys hate novels?; writer Kazim Ali is our guest to talk about his novel, Indian Winter, Coach House Books' submission for the 2024 Republic of Consciousness Prize, US & Canada. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, …

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90. J.L. Carr "A Month in the Country" 1:05:41

1y ago1:05:41

1:05:41

That controversial NYT Top 100 List; should a writer's life affect our appreciation of their work; Sam and Lori love J. L. Carr's A Month in the Country and count the ways! Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam Jordison Instagram: Across…

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89. Sarah Perry, "Enlightenment" 57:15

1y ago57:15

57:15

Librarian superheroes; dog-hair mittens; and we talk to author Sarah Perry about her fascinating new novel, Enlightenment. Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam Jordison Instagram: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, …