Episode 257: "Best of" Series -- Our Literary Lives of 2021

In this book, Christopher Hitchens addresses a hypothetical young reader, offering advice on how to cultivate a contrarian mindset. He draws on historical examples of dissenters like Émile Zola, Rosa Parks, and George Orwell to illustrate the importance of questioning authority and challenging consensus. The book covers a range of topics including politics, economics, and religion, and encourages readers to seek out argument and disputation as a means of intellectual growth. Hitchens also critiques various forms of dogma and advocates for a life of critical thinking and moral courage.

In 'Wintering', Katherine May shares her personal experiences of coping with illness, career changes, and family challenges, and how she found strength and healing through the concept of 'wintering'. The book draws on lessons from literature, mythology, and the natural world, highlighting the importance of rest, retreat, and embracing the cyclical nature of life. May discusses various cultural and spiritual practices related to winter, as well as her own experiences with cold-water swimming and other winter activities, to illustrate how winter can be a time of renewal and growth.

Cranford, a novel by Elizabeth Gaskell, depicts the lives of women in a small, fictional English village. The story is known for its gentle humor, charming characters, and nostalgic portrayal of village life. Gaskell explores themes of community, friendship, and the changing social landscape of 19th-century England. The novel is celebrated for its detailed descriptions of village life and its memorable cast of eccentric characters. Cranford remains a beloved classic, offering a heartwarming and insightful portrayal of women's lives in a bygone era.

The novel, set in the early 1900s in Norfolk, England, follows Leo Colston, a 12-year-old boy who spends a summer at Brandham Hall, the home of his school friend Marcus Maudsley. Leo becomes a messenger, or 'go-between', for a forbidden love affair between Marian Maudsley, Marcus's sister, and Ted Burgess, a local farmer. As Leo navigates this complex and secretive world, he is forced to confront the harsh realities of adult relationships, class differences, and the consequences of his actions. The story is told through a flashback by an older Leo, reflecting on the traumatic events of that summer which had a lasting impact on his life.

G. K. Chesterton's "The Everlasting Man" is a sweeping historical and philosophical work that traces the history of humanity from its origins to the present day. Chesterton argues for the unique position of humanity within creation and the enduring significance of Christianity. The book is a powerful defense of the Christian faith, blending historical analysis with philosophical insights and Chesterton's characteristic wit and eloquence. It is a challenging but rewarding read for those interested in history, philosophy, and theology. The book's exploration of the relationship between faith and reason, and its defense of the Christian worldview, continue to resonate with readers today.

In *Piranesi*, the protagonist lives in a world called the House, a labyrinthine structure filled with thousands of statues, tides that surge through staircases, and clouds in the upper halls. Through his meticulous journals, Piranesi reconstructs the story of his arrival and explores the House, only to discover messages indicating the presence of another person. As he delves deeper, he uncovers secrets and confronts the possibility of a world beyond his known reality.

Written in the epistolary format, 'Lady Susan' revolves around the character of Lady Susan Vernon, a recent widow known for her beauty, charm, and manipulative nature. The story unfolds through a series of letters, detailing Lady Susan's attempts to marry off her daughter Frederica to a wealthy but insipid man, Sir James Martin, while she herself pursues various romantic and financial interests. The novel explores themes of deception, societal norms, and the complexities of relationships, all set against the backdrop of late 18th-century English society. Despite her scandalous reputation, Lady Susan's charm and wit temporarily deceive those around her, including her brother-in-law's younger brother, Reginald De Courcy, until her true character is eventually revealed.

The Painted Veil tells the story of Kitty Fane, a beautiful but vain and selfish Englishwoman married to Walter Fane, a bacteriologist in Hong Kong. When Kitty's affair with Charles Townsend is discovered, Walter presents her with an ultimatum: either Townsend must divorce his wife and marry Kitty, or she must accompany Walter to Mei-tan-fu to fight a cholera epidemic. The novel follows Kitty's transformation as she faces the harsh realities of life and death, and ultimately undergoes a spiritual awakening through her experiences and interactions with the nuns in Mei-tan-fu.

The 'Kristin Lavransdatter' trilogy, consisting of 'The Bridal Wreath' (Kransen), 'The Mistress of Husaby' (Husfrue), and 'The Cross' (Korset), tells the story of Kristin Lavransdatter. The narrative begins with Kristin's childhood, her deep devotion to her father, and her eventual defiance of her parents to pursue her love for the charming but impetuous Erlend Nikulaussøn. The trilogy follows their tumultuous marriage, their life together raising seven sons, and the challenges they face amidst the social, political, and religious backdrop of 14th-century Norway. The series is known for its richly detailed portrayal of the period and its exploration of themes such as love, morality, and faith.