In 2011 Julian Barnes won the Man Booker Prize for his eleventh novel ‘The Sense of an Ending’. Telling the story of Tony Webster from his youth into old age the novel explores the philosophies on life of youth and old age. This book built on Barnes’ already formidable body of work, including three previous works that had reached the Booker shortlist, and cemented his standing as one of the top modern English writers.
Born in Leicester but growing up in London, Barnes worked as a literary reviewer and television critic before publishing his first novel, ‘Metroland’, in 1980. Told through three parts and featuring adult scenes and events this work established the style that can be seen in much of Barnes’ works. It was his third novel, ‘Flaubert’s Parrot’, that set Barnes up as an author to be watched. Deviating from the traditional linier structure this account of the fictional doctor Geoffrey Braithwaite met with critical and commercial acclaim.
Julian Barnes is regarded by many as a leading postmodernist and one of the best authors writing today. Susan talks with Dr Nessa Collinge and Dr Nick Bentley about the works of Julian Barnes. Does he deserve his reputation as one of the world’s leading authors? What makes his novels so good? And which is the best of his works to get started with?
There are few figures from the 20th century as revered and reviled as the great wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill. In his fascinating 90 year long life he played the part of author, soldier, hero, villain, and politician, he escaped prisons and survived both physical and political death (the latter numerous times). His greatest legacy was as the defiant leader whose speeches galvanised Britain into the island fortress that defied Hitler.
In his latest book, ‘The Roar of the Lion’, Professor Richard Toye explores the narrative of Churchill as the great orator and tries to find out just how effective his speeches really were. Though his promise to fight on the beaches, landing grounds, fields, streets, and hills carries gravitas and stirring power through scratch recordings how did it affect people at the time? Did his words lend steel to British spines? Or did his words fail to impress the men and women who faced Hitler across the channel?
Using primary sources Richard looks beyond the romanticised image of Churchill that has built up over time to see exactly what he was saying and who he was saying it to. Peeling away the surface Richard finds an intriguing and complex tale. What emerges from ‘The Roar of the Lion’ is a complex man who was far more than a bombastic orator. Richard paints a driven man who trusted others, relied on himself, and who was intent on changing the world.
Rounding off the show Susan talks with Richard about Churchill’s speeches and tries to find the man behind the legend. What were the aims of Churchill’s speeches? Has his character and impact been distorted by time? And how should he really be remembered?
Tonight's music to read to
Opening the show is 'Snow Tales #1' from Clem Leek's 'Snow Tales'. Clem Leek closes out this week's show too with 'Bless Those Tired Eyes' from his album 'Rest'. Bridging the two parts of the show is 'Together We Will Live Forever', Clint Mansell's wonderful piece from 'The Fountain' soundtrack.
