London Review Bookshop Podcast

Ken Worpole, ‘a literary original, a social and architectural historian whose books combine the Orwellian ideal of common decency with understated erudition’ (New Statesman), has written on many subjects during his long career, from cemeteries to hospices to the novels of Alexander Baron, but has often returned to the subject of his beloved Essex. His latest essay collection Brightening from the East (Little Toller) focuses on the natural and built landscapes of the ‘region of the mind’ that is the estuarine marshlands of the Thames and the East Anglian coast, bringing us stories of radical communities and arcadian dreams of new ways of living. Worpole is in conversation with writer and journalist Melissa Benn; the evening will be hosted by writer and producer Gareth Evans.

In this enlightening discussion, Paul B. Preciado, a groundbreaking writer and philosopher, explores themes from his latest work, Dysphoria Mundi. He argues that dysphoria is not a mental illness but an epistemic rupture that reflects the limitations of current societal norms. Nathalie Olah, a skilled journalist and critic, guides the conversation, delving into the implications of somatic politics and the political nature of knowledge. They also discuss the historical constructs of binary sex and how queer resistance can serve as a model for broader societal change.

Xiaolu Guo, an acclaimed novelist and filmmaker, discusses her latest work, *Call Me Ishmaelle*, a feminist reimagining of Moby-Dick. Joining her is Philip Hoare, a writer renowned for his insights into maritime literature. They explore Guo's childhood in a South China fishing village and how it shaped her perspective. Guo reinterprets Ishmael as a female figure and transforms Ahab into a black captain, reflecting on race and identity. Themes of displacement and a reverse artistic journey illuminate her narrative, while Darwin's influence is woven throughout.

Didier Eribon, a renowned French sociologist and author, discusses his poignant new book, which reflects on aging, particularly through the life of his mother. He delves into the societal neglect of the elderly and what it means to truly represent their voices. Eribon shares how neoliberal policies have eroded care systems, making elderly isolation more common. He also touches on the complexities of family loyalty and racism, and the need for genuine political activism that advocates for the vulnerable in society.

Celebrate the reissue of Samuel Beckett's trilogy as the hosts explore his unique and haunting language. They dive into themes of bodily horror, decay, and absurdity, revealing the bleak humor that permeates his works. The conversation touches on Beckett's wartime experiences and their impact on his writing, as well as the significance of rhythm in reading his texts aloud. List-making becomes a playful tool for memory, transforming the understanding of his complex narratives. Join them for a deep dive into Beckett's provocative world.

Sophie Lewis, a prominent feminist writer and scholar known for her works like *Enemy Feminisms*, joins activist and author Lola Olufemi for an engaging discussion. They tackle the complex landscapes of feminisms, exploring how some can be more adversaries than allies. Lewis argues for a necessary reckoning with feminism’s past, highlighting its impure inheritance and the troubling shift of suffragettes toward fascism. The conversation also delves into the need for feminism to embrace utopian visions while resisting reactionary trends.

In this engaging discussion, Jacqueline Rose, a prominent feminist writer and scholar, is joined by Yasmin El-Rifae, co-producer of The Palestine Festival of Literature. They delve into the lives of Rosa Luxemburg, Charlotte Salomon, and Marilyn Monroe, exploring their connections to revolution and identity. Rose critiques Monroe's role in American culture and discusses the darker themes of 'honour killings' alongside courageous female agency. The conversation also touches on political repression and the enduring impact of feminist narratives in today's world.

Art historian T.J. Clark began his academic career with two groundbreaking works on the art of mid-nineteenth century France, expounding materialist theory of art that has remained his watchword for five decades, with books on Poussin, Cézanne, Picasso and modernism.  Those Passions: On Art and Politics (Thames and Hudson) distils a lifetime’s work through a series of case studies, from Hieronymus Bosch to Jacques-Louis David and the French Revolution, from Walter Benjamin to Pier Paolo Pasolini, exploring how art has always responded to the often chaotic and dangerous circumstances of its creation. Clark was joined in conversation about his life and work by Caroline Arscott, Emeritus Professor of the History of Art at the Courtauld Institute. More from the Bookshop: Discover our author of the month, book of the week and more: ⁠https://lrb.me/bkshppod⁠ From the LRB: Subscribe to the LRB: ⁠⁠⁠https://lrb.me/subsbkshppod Close Readings podcast: ⁠⁠https://lrb.me/crbkshppod LRB Audiobooks: ⁠⁠https://lrb.me/audiobooksbkshppod Bags, binders and more at the LRB Store: ⁠⁠https://lrb.me/storebkshppod Get in touch: podcasts@lrb.co.uk

‘With his electric Soho, Richard Scott has arrived like a lightning bolt in our midst’ said T.S. Eliot Prize judge Sinéad Morrissey on the publication of his first collection in 2018. To celebrate publication of his second, That Broke into Shining Crystals (Faber), Richard will be reading alongside fellow poets Emily Berry (Dear Boy, Stranger Baby and Unexhausted Time) and Jane Yeh (Discipline, Marabou and Ninjas). More from the Bookshop: Discover our author of the month, book of the week and more: ⁠https://lrb.me/bkshppod⁠ From the LRB: Subscribe to the LRB: ⁠⁠⁠https://lrb.me/subsbkshppod Close Readings podcast: ⁠⁠https://lrb.me/crbkshppod LRB Audiobooks: ⁠⁠https://lrb.me/audiobooksbkshppod Bags, binders and more at the LRB Store: ⁠⁠https://lrb.me/storebkshppod Get in touch: podcasts@lrb.co.uk

Poet and playwright Ariana Reines will be making a rare UK appearance to read from her new collection with Divided Books, Wave of Blood, a lyric essay she has described as an ‘experiment in ethics’ reckoning with the US wars on terror and their repercussions. Reines was joined in conversation by critic and academic Alice Blackhurst, whose most recent book is Luxury, Sensation and the Moving Image. More from the Bookshop: Discover our author of the month, book of the week and more: ⁠https://lrb.me/bkshppod⁠ From the LRB: Subscribe to the LRB: ⁠⁠⁠https://lrb.me/subsbkshppod Close Readings podcast: ⁠⁠https://lrb.me/crbkshppod LRB Audiobooks: ⁠⁠https://lrb.me/audiobooksbkshppod Bags, binders and more at the LRB Store: ⁠⁠https://lrb.me/storebkshppod Get in touch: podcasts@lrb.co.uk