Tom Crewe, Patricia Lockwood, Deborah Friedell, John Lanchester, and Rosemary Hill discuss their favorite pieces from the LRB archive, including Terry Castle's analysis of Jane Austen's letters and Alan Bennett's nuanced portrayal of Philip Larkin. Topics covered include controversial literature, bestiality in poetry, and mistaken identity at a party.
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Quick takeaways
Terry Castle's controversial essay on Jane Austen's letters sparked significant discussion and debate.
Alan Bennett's review of Philip Larkin delves into the complexities of Larkin's personality and challenges the separation of an artist's flaws from their art.
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Summary of Podcast Episode
In this podcast episode, the contributors of the London Review of Books discuss their favorite pieces from the LRB archive. The episode features conversations with Tom Crew, Patricia Lockwood, and Deborah Fruh-Dal, who each share their thoughts on specific articles and writers. Tom Crew reflects on Terry Castle's controversial piece about Jane Austen's letters and its impact at the time. Patricia Lockwood discusses her admiration for Jenny Diski's writing and how it influenced her own personal and critical style. Deborah Fruh-Dal highlights Hilary Mantel's memoir, "Giving Up the Ghost," as a powerful exploration of illness, identity, and loss. The contributors also touch on other notable pieces and engage in thought-provoking discussions about literature and writing.
Penelope Fitzgerald and Stevie Smith
One of the standout pieces mentioned in the podcast is Penelope Fitzgerald's review of Stevie Smith's "Me Again" in the LRB. Fitzgerald's concise and insightful review delves into Smith's unique writing style and the lasting impact of her work. Fitzgerald compares Smith to Emily Dickinson and William Blake, highlighting the complexity and mystification found in their writings. The review skillfully analyzes Smith's presentation of herself to the world and the deeper significance of her poetry. Fitzgerald's mastery of language and her ability to capture the essence of Smith's writing make this piece a must-read for fans of both authors.
Alan Bennett's Take on Philip Larkin
Another compelling piece discussed in the podcast is Alan Bennett's review of Andrew Motion's biography of Philip Larkin. Bennett's review stands out for its nuanced examination of Larkin's controversies, including his racism and misogyny. Rather than taking a definitive stance, Bennett skillfully navigates the complexities of Larkin's persona and his impact on poetry. With wit and intelligence, Bennett probes into Larkin's bachelorhood and his relationships with women, shedding light on the contradictions that exist within his life and work. Bennett's thought-provoking review prompts readers to reevaluate their own opinions of Larkin and challenges the notion of separating an artist's personal flaws from their art.
Memorable Pieces from the LRB Archive
The podcast episode also touches on other noteworthy articles from the LRB archive. Rosemary Hill shares her appreciation for Penelope Fitzgerald's review of Stevie Smith's works, praising Fitzgerald's ability to unlock the mysteries of Smith's writing. John Manchester reflects on Angela Carter's scathing review of the official foodie handbook, which critiques the cult of food worship and questions the morality of indulging in gastronomic pleasures while others suffer. Colin Tobin mentions Alan Bennett's engaging and thought-provoking piece on Philip Larkin, which navigates the controversy surrounding the poet and offers insights into the complexities of his character. These articles exemplify the LRB's commitment to publishing diverse and thought-provoking pieces that challenge readers' perspectives.
Tom Crewe, Patricia Lockwood, Deborah Friedell, John Lanchester, Rosemary Hill and Colm Tóibín talk to Tom about some of their favourite LRB pieces, including Terry Castle’s 1995 essay on Jane Austen's letters, Hilary Mantel’s account of how she became a writer, and Alan Bennett’s uncompromising take on Philip Larkin.