Ulysses is a groundbreaking and complex modernist novel that chronicles the experiences of three Dubliners over a single day. The novel is loosely based on Homer's epic poem 'The Odyssey', with Leopold Bloom paralleling Odysseus, Stephen Dedalus paralleling Telemachus, and Molly Bloom paralleling Penelope. It explores themes such as antisemitism, human sexuality, British rule in Ireland, Catholicism, and Irish nationalism. The novel is known for its innovative use of language and narrative techniques, including stream-of-consciousness and multiple literary styles. It captures the essence of early 20th-century Dublin, providing a detailed snapshot of the city's social, political, and cultural landscape[2][3][5].
In 'Putin’s People: How the KGB Took Back Russia and Then Took on the West', Catherine Belton provides a comprehensive and chilling account of Vladimir Putin’s rise to power. The book reveals how Putin, along with a small group of KGB men, seized control of Russia, looted the country, and built a new league of loyal oligarchs. Belton’s research, based on exclusive interviews with key insiders, exposes the intricate network involving politicians, organized crime, and sympathetic journalists that helped Putin consolidate his power. The book also details how Putin’s regime subverted Russia’s economy and legal system, suppressed independent voices, and launched covert influence operations abroad, extending their reach into Western markets and institutions.
In *Butler to the World*, Oliver Bullough explores how Britain transitioned from a colonial power to a central hub for the global offshore economy, serving the interests of oligarchs and kleptocrats. The book critiques Britain's role in enabling financial crimes and questions its reliability as an ally in international efforts against corruption.
Published in 1998, 'Paradise' is Toni Morrison's longest novel and concludes a trilogy that includes 'Beloved' and 'Jazz'. The story is set in the all-black town of Ruby, Oklahoma, which was founded by nine African American clans in the 1940s. The novel explores the town's self-imposed isolation and its rigid hierarchies, as well as the tension between Ruby and the nearby Convent, a former mansion inhabited by a group of women with troubled pasts. The narrative is structured into nine sections, each named after a female character, and it delves into themes of community, violence, and the search for a utopian 'paradise'. The book also examines Christian theology, particularly through the contrasting visions of two reverends, and highlights the importance of love, self-determination, and freedom[1][3][4].
In this novel, Feyi Adekola seeks to rediscover life five years after the death of her husband. She embarks on a journey of healing and self-discovery, navigating new relationships and career opportunities. The story explores themes of grief, love, and identity in a vibrant and emotional narrative.
In 'In the Shadow of the Gods', Dominic Lieven explores the evolution of emperors across centuries, from ancient Mesopotamia to modern times. The book delves into the strengths and weaknesses of these rulers, examining their impact on politics, culture, and society. Lieven discusses notable figures like Constantine, Chinggis Khan, and Louis XIV, highlighting their contributions to empire-building and diplomacy.
The Anomaly is a novel that delves into the mysteries surrounding a Paris-New York flight, where passengers encounter a strange anomaly that challenges their perceptions of reality. The story blends elements of crime, fantasy, sci-fi, and thriller genres, exploring themes of identity and the nature of existence. It follows a diverse cast of characters as they navigate the aftermath of this extraordinary event.
Circus of Dreams is a unique blend of personal memoir, oral history, literary investigation, and elegy for the golden age of literature in the 1980s. It captures the transformative era of British literature, marked by the rise of new authors and publishing innovations. The book offers insights into the lives of literary stars and the cultural shifts that defined the decade.
This week is our summer books and films spectacular, full of recommendations of things to read and watch. First, Lilah is joined by literary editors Fred Studemann and Laura Battle to explore the FT's Summer Books special. They suggest a range of light summer reads, sharp non-fiction, deep dives, thrillers and classics to take on your summer holiday, and talk trends in book publishing. Then, deputy arts editor Raphael Abraham recommends the top films to look out for this summer. After watching 24 films in less than a week at the Cannes film festival, he's filtered the new releases down to a must-see list.
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Tell us about your own favourite new books and films! We’ll share them alongside the episode on our social platforms. Email us at ftweekendpodcast@ft.com. We’re on Twitter @ftweekendpod, and Lilah is on Instagram and Twitter @lilahrap.
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Links and mentions from the episode:
Here’s Laura’s list of the best fiction summer reads: https://on.ft.com/3AvtuPg. The whole summer books special is at http://ft.com/summerbooks.
Books mentioned:
–Audiobooks: Bad Actors by Mick Herron and Ulysses by James Joyce
–Novels that span centuries: To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara and Sea of Tranquility by Emily St John Mandel
–Beach read: You Made a Fool of Death with your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
–Fun non-fiction: Circus of Dreams by John Walsh
–Empire books: Legacy of Violence by Caroline Elkin and In the Shadow of the Gods by Dominic Lieven
–BRussian influence: Putin’s People by Catherine Belton and Butler to the World by Oliver Bullough
–AI simulation: The Anomaly by Hervé Le Tellier
Stories mentioned:
–Marriage in all its divine tedium: https://on.ft.com/3KXOBfm
–Edward Luce on whether America is headed for another civil war: https://on.ft.com/3yJ43az
–Fred’s BookTok column: https://on.ft.com/3GEC5Ad
Films to watch this summer, from Raph:
–Aftersun: https://on.ft.com/3uUt9lJ
–Nitram: https://on.ft.com/3auhgvs
–Hit the Road
–McEnroe
–Three Thousand Years of Longing: https://on.ft.com/3nMshLK
–Elvis: https://on.ft.com/3P1Uaeu
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Special offers for FT Weekend listeners, from 50% off a digital subscription to a $1/£1/€1 trial can be found here: http://ft.com/weekendpodcast
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Original music by Metaphor Music. Mixing and sound design by Breen Turner and Sam Giovinco.
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
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