Joe Dunthorne

In this engaging conversation, poet and novelist Joe Dunthorne discusses his new book, *Children of Radium: A Buried Inheritance*. He explores the troubled legacy of his great-grandfather, a Jewish scientist linked to Nazi chemical weapons. Joe dives into themes of historical guilt and family secrets, revealing the psychological conflicts surrounding ethics and denial. He also shares how humor can coexist with trauma, illustrating his quixotic journey through the remnants of a radioactive past, filled with both poignant narratives and absurd anecdotes.

Three Welsh writers, including novelist Joe Dunthorne and National Poet of Wales Hanan Issa, delve into Wales' literary history and the concept of 'Welshness.' They discuss unique approaches in writing, inspirations behind projects honoring Welsh towns, and the challenges of portraying Welsh culture in novels. The podcast explores the significance of storytelling, relationships, class divides, cross-border experiences between Wales and England, and Welsh literature through translation, highlighting the enrichment of language and identity diversity.