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Aisling Rawle's 'The Compound' follows characters on a semi-dystopian reality TV show

Jul 21, 2025
Aisling Rawle, author of 'The Compound,' navigates the murky waters of reality TV as a semi-dystopian experience. She shares insights on how shows like Love Island influenced her writing and how contestants in her novel grapple with societal norms and superficial hierarchies. The discussion highlights themes of beauty, identity, and agency, particularly through a character named Lily, who cleverly outmaneuvers her challengers in an environment that often prioritizes looks over substance.
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ANECDOTE

Inspiration From a Vivid Image

  • Aisling Rawle began writing The Compound from a vivid image of beautiful women in a glamorous but dilapidated house.
  • The story organically evolved into a reality TV show concept with characters driven by unique rules.
ANECDOTE

Love Island as Research

  • Aisling Rawle researched reality TV by binge-watching Love Island during lockdown.
  • She also engaged in gossipy conversations with her housemates to capture the show's vibe.
INSIGHT

Desirability Defines Power

  • The reality show in The Compound values desirability above identity or background.
  • Contestants rank each other by attractiveness, creating a superficial but binding hierarchy.
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