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 women—Milla and Agaat. Originally published in the UK under the title The Way of the Women, the novel eventually found its home in the U.S. thanks to Nancy’s passionate advocacy at Tin House. In this conversation, Lori and Nancy discuss the book’s extraordinary language, its slow-burn intensity, and the deeply layered themes of race, power, and legacy.

💡 In This Episode:

• How Agaat came to be published in the U.S.
• Why Toni Morrison championed the novel
• The book’s shifting perspectives and psychological tension
• Why the title Agaat matters
• The parallels between personal relationships and apartheid
• Stories from readers deeply moved by the novel

This episode is a powerful exploration of what makes Agaat one of the most extraordinary modern novels—and why it’s worth your time, despite its 650 pages. Whether you're new to the book or already a devoted reader, this discussion will deepen your understanding of its literary and emotional resonance.

🔊 Tune in now to begin your journey through Agaat, and learn why this under-the-radar masterpiece is finally getting the attention it deserves.

Where to Find the Host

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