An interview with author Philip Pullman exploring his childhood, father's death, and literary success. Reflecting on advice for his younger self, he discusses love, regrets, and coping strategies like reading and medication. Delving into early influences, passion for poetry, and rejection of religion, Pullman shares insights on innocence, knowledge, and the journey to self-consciousness.
Philip Pullman highlights the importance of storytelling manipulation for artistic expression and memory enhancement.
Growing up surrounded by respect for language and learning shaped Pullman's journey towards becoming a writer.
Deep dives
Author's Childhood Memories and Inspirations
Philip Pullman reflects on his childhood memories, starting with vivid recollections of moving to Africa with his family when he was just five years old, learning to read at a young age through books like 'Noddy Goes to Toy Town' and Kipling's Just So Stories. He discusses the importance of differentiating between grown-up places and children's places, highlighting his early insights into societal distinctions, including observations from his time at a club near the airfield in Guinea.
Unreliable Narration and Storytelling Process
As a novelist, Pullman acknowledges the unreliable nature of storytelling, mentioning that when narrating a story, especially about oneself, there is an inherent subjectivity that leads to intentional storytelling modifications to enhance memory and emphasis. He emphasizes the artistic freedom of storytelling, noting the importance of manipulating stories artistically to convey memorable aspects while acknowledging the unreliability of personal narrative.
Intrigue of the Written Word and Influence of Education
Pullman delves into the significant impact of growing up surrounded by a respect for the written word and learning, particularly influenced by his schooling experiences in Wales, where he discovered the power of language through engaging with the authorized version of the Bible and the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. He reflects on the enduring fascination with language and literature that shaped his journey towards becoming a writer.
The Tyranny of Writing and the Democracy of Reading
Addressing the dichotomy between writing and reading, Pullman describes writing as a 'tyranny' where the author dictates every aspect of a narrative, asserting control over characters and plot, emphasizing the writer's authority in crafting a story. In contrast, he highlights reading as a 'democracy,' allowing readers to interpret texts freely and form diverse opinions, showcasing the interactive and participative nature of literature consumption.
Kirsty Young talks to the author Philip Pullman about what he’s learned from his life so far. Pullman is the acclaimed novelist behind global bestsellers like His Dark Materials. He recounts the story of his own childhood, how he still contemplates the mystery of his father’s death, and why he owes his literary success to hard work.
If you could have a conversation with your younger self, what would you tell them? In Young Again Kirsty takes her guests back to the pivotal moments in their lives. Reflecting on what they wish they’d known at the time, and what they’ve learned along the way, she discovers the honest – and surprising – advice they’d give their younger selves.
Producer: Sam Peach
Content Editor: Richard Hooper
Executive Editor: Alice Feinstein
Senior Technical Producer: Duncan Hannant
Presenter: Kirsty Young
A BBC Audio Production
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode