The Novel Tea

Shruti and Neha discuss Amor Towle's beloved tale of confinement, A Gentleman in Moscow, through the themes of balance and imagination. We provide some historical context for the events of the novel, share what we loved, and provide some critiques (including our thoughts on the ending). We also talk about the Paramount TV adaptation and compare its themes and mission to those of the book.Books Mentioned & Shelf Discovery:Piranesi by Susanna ClarkeThe Last Queen by Chitra Banerjee DivakaruniThe Nightingale by Kristin HannahA Man Called Ove by Fredrik BackmanThe Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann ShafferIf you would like to get additional behind-the-scenes content related to this and all of our episodes, subscribe to our free newsletter.We love to hear from listeners about the books we discuss - you can connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at thenovelteapod@gmail.com.This episode description contains links to Bookshop.org, a website that supports independent bookstores. If you use these links we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Neha and Shruti discuss the two movie adaptations of Rebecca: the 1940 masterpiece directed by Alfred Hitchcock, and the 2020... something piece directed by Ben Wheatley. We pay attention to characterization, setting, music, and costume, and of course, discuss the MAJOR changes made to the ending in both these movies!If you would like to get additional behind-the-scenes content related to this and all of our episodes, subscribe to our free newsletter.We love to hear from listeners about the books we discuss - you can connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at thenovelteapod@gmail.com.This episode description contains links to Bookshop.org, a website that supports independent bookstores. If you use these links we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Shruti and Neha discuss the Gothic masterpiece Rebecca, by Daphne du Maurier. We talk about the main characters and what they might represent, and the way the book plays with ideas of identity and relationships. We also discuss the themes of memory, innocence and maturity, gender roles and sexuality, the symbolism of flowers, and so much more!*This episode contains serious spoilers!Links:The Secret History by Donna Tartt: aesthetics and paranoia (Spotify | Apple Podcasts)The Secret History, Dark Academia, and Academic Elitism [The Novel Tea Newsletter]Books Mentioned & Shelf DiscoveryJane Eyre by Charlotte BrontëWide Sargasso Sea by Jean RhysGone Girl by Gillian FlynnThe Secret History by Donna TarttMy Cousin Rachel by Daphne du MaurierIf you would like to get additional behind-the-scenes content related to this and all of our episodes, subscribe to our free newsletter.We love to hear from listeners about the books we discuss - you can connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at thenovelteapod@gmail.com.This episode description contains links to Bookshop.org, a website that supports independent bookstores. If you use these links we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Neha and Shruti discuss Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys through the themes of liminality and bias. We talk about the book as its own work, then we compare it to Jane Eyre, its source text. We also discuss several screen adaptations of Jane Eyre, including the 1997 and 2011 films, and the 1983 and 2006 television adaptations.Shelf DiscoveryLucy by Jamaica KincaidThe Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins GilmanThe Handmaid's Tale by Margaret AtwoodIf you would like to get additional behind-the-scenes content related to this and all of our episodes, subscribe to our free newsletter.We love to hear from listeners about the books we discuss - you can connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at thenovelteapod@gmail.com.This episode description contains links to Bookshop.org, a website that supports independent bookstores. If you use these links we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Shruti and Neha discuss one of the most beloved classics of all time: Jane Eyre. We discuss Jane's character through the themes of adventure and self-respect, the metaphor of the red room, and how Jane's desire for affection manifests through her many relationships. We also disagree on Rochester's character (and the book's ending), and analyze the many themes and motifs in this book, including religion, orientalism, fairytales, colonialism & empire, and more! Books Mentioned & Shelf Discovery:Pride and Prejudice by Jane AustenMansfield Park by Jane AustenWide Sargasso Sea by Jean RhysNorth and South by Elizabeth GaskellWuthering Heights by Emily BrontëThe Eyre Affair by Jasper FfordeIf you would like to get additional behind-the-scenes content related to this and all of our episodes, subscribe to our free newsletter.We love to hear from listeners about the books we discuss - you can connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at thenovelteapod@gmail.com.This episode description contains links to Bookshop.org, a website that supports independent bookstores. If you use these links we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we discuss the short story The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allen Poe, its many interpretations – from institutional decay, to psychology and health, to imagined realities – and the real-life history the story is said to have been based on. We then talk about What Moves the Dead, a retelling of Poe’s short story, and whether or not it accomplished what it set out to do. Along the way, we also get into what makes a good adaptation and differences between gothic and horror genres. We also talk a bit about the recent Netflix adaptation The Fall of the House of Usher by Mike Flanagan.Shelf Discovery:The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins GilmanThe Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar WildeThe Empusium: A Health Resort Horror Story by Olga TokarczukIf you would like to get additional behind-the-scenes content related to this and all of our episodes, subscribe to our free newsletter.We love to hear from listeners about the books we discuss - you can connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at thenovelteapod@gmail.com.This episode description contains links to Bookshop.org, a website that supports independent bookstores. If you use these links we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we introduce our theme for the season: adaptations! We discuss some of the best and worst adaptations we've seen, what makes a good adaptation, and the new trends in book adaptations. And, of course, we share what we'll be reading (and watching!) over the next few months for Season 5.Books and movies mentioned:Little Women by Louisa May AlcottWickedEragon by Christopher PaoliniHarry Potter by J.K. Rowling10 Things I Hate About YouShe's the ManThe Lion KingHamlet by William ShakespeareMufasaWuthering Heights by Emily BronteThe Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allen PoeWhat Moves the Dead by T. KingfisherJane Eyre by Charlotte BronteWide Sargasso Sea by Jean RhysRebecca by Daphne du MaurierA Gentleman in Moscow by Amor TowlesEmma by Jane AustenHome Fire by Kamila ShamsieAntigone by SophoclesAll's Well by Mona AwadIf you would like to get additional behind-the-scenes content related to this and all of our episodes, subscribe to our free newsletter.We love to hear from listeners about the books we discuss - you can connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at thenovelteapod@gmail.com.This episode description contains links to Bookshop.org, a website that supports independent bookstores. If you use these links we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's finally here - our year in books! In this bonus episode, we share the 10 best books we read this year, ranging from new releases, to classics, to non-fiction. We also share a few honorable mentions that we loved. And, towards the end of the episode, we spill the tea on a few 2024 releases, including some that we loved and others that didn't quite hit the mark.Books Mentioned:The GuestThe Night SwimThey Called Us ExceptionalEducatedThe Little StrangerYellowfaceThe Left Hand of DarknessMy DeathThe Bee StingJamesBirnam WoodHello BeautifulThe Hunchback of Notre DameAnother CountryCuckoldA Little LifeEnter GhostMartyr!The Illness LessonTomorrow and Tomorrow and TomorrowAn Immense WorldIn the Dream HouseThe Secret HistoryThe God of the WoodsThe WomenThere are Rivers in the SkyArgylleThe Bright SwordFunny Story Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neha and Shruti discuss all 8 books we've covered over the last few months, and talk about themes that emerged - getting a little nerdy along the way. We also discuss the Booker prize, throw some shade at the Oscars, and share more book recommendations around the theme of borders. This episode is spoiler free!Books mentioned:Culture and Imperialism by Edward SaidTermush by Sven HolmHomegoing by Yaa GyasiWe Have Always Been Here by Samra HabibThey Called Us Exceptional by Prachi GuptaThe Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin HamidGiovanni's Room by James BaldwinDisgrace by J.M. CoetzeeThe Laughter by Sonora JhaIf you would like to get additional behind-the-scenes content related to this and all of our episodes, subscribe to our free newsletter.We love to hear from listeners about the books we discuss - you can connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at thenovelteapod@gmail.com.This episode description contains links to Bookshop.org, a website that supports independent bookstores. If you use these links we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neha and Shruti discuss The Parisian by Isabella Hammad, a book that follows Midhat Kamal, a Palestinian man, between the First and Second World Wars. We talk about the 19th century European novel, prominent themes we noticed in the book, and our thoughts on the characters and their development. We also get into the historical context of the events unfolding in the book.LinksIsraelPalestine For Critical Thinkers on YoutubeEmpire Podcast [Apple Podcasts] [Spotify]Books Mentioned & Shelf DiscoveryWar and Peace by Leo TolstoySentimental Education by Gustave FlaubertThe Sympathizer by Viet Thanh NguyenHope and Other Dangerous Pursuits by Laila LalamiThe House of the Spirits by Isabel AllendeOur Riches by Kaouther AdimiIf you would like to get additional behind-the-scenes content related to this and all of our episodes, subscribe to our free newsletter.We love to hear from listeners about the books we discuss - you can connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at thenovelteapod@gmail.com.This episode description contains links to Bookshop.org, a website that supports independent bookstores. If you use these links we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.