David Szalay

In this discussion, award-winning author David Szalay shares insights on his novel, Flesh. He reveals how his Hungarian roots influence the story and its setting. Szalay's writing style embraces deliberate restraint, capturing meaning in mundane moments. He emphasizes character creation through intuition, often inspired by fleeting encounters. Additionally, he discusses the effectiveness of fragmentary narratives and aims for complex emotional responses from readers, making this conversation an enlightening listen for fans of his work.

David Szalay, the prize-winning novelist whose book Flesh clinched the coveted award, shares insights from his acceptance speech. He explores the aesthetic risks he embraced in his writing journey. Joining him is Penelope Lively, an acclaimed author who champions the transformative power of children's literature. Roddy Doyle, the chair of the judges, discusses the intense selection process and the emotional stakes behind choosing the winner. This lively discussion dives deep into the art of novel-making and the impact of literature across ages.

Andrew Miller, a British novelist, discusses his Booker Prize-nominated work, The Land in Winter, delving into its gothic tone and complex character portrayals. Katie Kitamura shares insights on her novel Audition, exploring the intersections of performance and social media. David Szalay reflects on the themes of alienation in Flesh, emphasizing narrative gaps and emotional resonance. Susan Choi highlights disappearance and loss in Flashlight, tying her research in Japan to her story's haunting motifs.

Join Susan Choi, an award-winning novelist, as she explores cross-cultural family dynamics and the Zainichi Korean community in Flashlight. Kiran Desai, a former Booker Prize winner, discusses loneliness and globalization in her long-gestating novel, The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny. David Szalay shares insights on capturing realism and physicality in Flesh, while Ben Markovits reveals how his own lymphoma diagnosis influenced the road-trip narrative of The Rest of Our Lives. A deep dive into themes of identity, illness, and the human experience awaits!

Join Cathy Tyson, a BAFTA-winning actress, as she shares her experience tackling the complex role of Martha in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? She dives into the intimate demands of her performance and the changes made for a Black Martha. Musician Todd Rundgren discusses AI's evolution in the music scene and its implications for live artistry. Author David Szalay reflects on his Booker-shortlisted novel Flesh, exploring its unique narrative structure and the complexities of human relationships.