Hermione Lee

Join Hermione Lee, an expert in Virginia Woolf's literature, Michele Barrett, a feminist theory scholar, and Alexandra Harris, a modern literature specialist as they delve into Woolf's groundbreaking essay on women and fiction. They explore how Woolf's personal experiences shaped her views on women's independence in writing. The conversation highlights Woolf's critique of gender roles, the importance of personal space for women writers, and her lasting legacy on female authorship. Wit, wisdom, and community interplay in their discussion of narrative styles and the evolution of women's voices in literature.

A psychoanalyst and critic discuss the concept of giving up as a way to succeed. They explore the idea of knowing limitations as heroism, the consequences of persistence in famous literary characters, and the balance of discipline and creativity in writing.

Hermione Lee, a celebrated literary biographer and director of the Oxford Centre for Life-Writing, delves into the compelling world of biography. She discusses why this genre continues to captivate readers and explores a vast array of subjects, from saints to celebrities. Lee examines the intricate relationship between curiosity and the desire for relatable figures in our lives. Additionally, she highlights the challenges biographers face, from questions of objectivity to the ethics of storytelling. Tune in for an insightful journey through the art of life writing!