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Irvine Welsh - You're Booked

Nov 23, 2020

Irvine Welsh, the provocative mind behind the iconic novel Trainspotting, shares his insights on reading habits reshaped by the pandemic. He discusses the joy of chunky reads and the significance of Evelyn Waugh, even revealing a humorous anecdote about inadvertently impacting Waugh's son. Welsh also delves into the complexities of authenticity in writing, the thrill of collaboration on his latest work The Seal Club, and the joy of gifting books during the Icelandic tradition of Jóllobokkoflód. His reflections on Hollywood provide a candid and humorous take on success.

52:06

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Irvine Welsh

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Quick takeaways

Irvine Welsh discusses how COVID-19 has transformed reading habits, with many seeking immersive novels for escapism amidst distractions.

The podcast highlights the importance of diverse influences in writing, encouraging authors to explore non-linear narratives beyond traditional storytelling formats.

As the literary landscape shifts, authors face pressure to market their work, complicating the balance between commercial success and genuine artistic expression.

Deep dives

The Impact of COVID-19 on Reading Habits

COVID-19 has significantly altered many individuals' reading habits, with some reporting they read more but struggle with concentration. The distractions present in the current environment make it challenging to focus on literature, prompting some readers to seek the comfort of novels. A return to classic novels or immersive long reads has become appealing, allowing readers to escape from the overwhelming nature of current events. In this context, the need to balance staying informed with the desire for escapism has become increasingly important for many.

Intro

4min

The Evolving Literary Landscape

25min

The Reader-Writer Dynamic

5min

Fiction's Authenticity and Societal Reflections

14min

The Joy of Giving and Receiving Books During Christmas

3min

Collaboration and Camaraderie in Writing

2min

Reflections on Hollywood: A Humorous Take on Success and Self-Perception

2min

This week we're delighted to delve into the reading habits of a genuine living legend: Irvine Welsh! Irvine is an acclaimed and frequently controversial novelist, playwright, director screenwriter and short story writer. His first novel was the massively popular Trainspotting (turned into an equally popular film) and he has produced 10 more novels with the latest being The Seal Club, a collaboration with Alan Warner and John King. We talked to him about rereading, music books, the joys of a chunky read, the importance of Evelyn Waugh and how he may have inadvertently killed Waugh's son, Auberon. To learn more or donate to the charity FareShare visit FareShare.org.uk

BOOKS

Daisy Buchanan - Insatiable

Irvine Welsh - Trainspotting

Irvine Welsh - Seal Club

Elizabeth Jane Howard - Cazalet Chronicles

Alan Warner - Kitchenly 434

Michel Faber - Crimson Petal and the White

Don DeLillo - Underworld

James Joyce - Ulysses

Alasdair Gray - Lanark

William Burroughs - Naked Lunch

Raven Leilani - Luster