This Bank Holiday weekend, Talking Books is taking the chance to unwind and revisit some of the most captivating interviews over the last year or so.
First, Susan will be talking with the inimitable John Banville. John, of course, needs no introduction, but it would be remiss not to highlight the major successes of his writing career, notably the 2005 Booker Prize and the Franz Kafka Prize in 2011. However, John would rather focus upon any small amount of pleasure he has brought to his readers during his career.
Just a few months back, Susan called into John’s studio and reflected upon his career and thoughts about literature and culture today. John’s sharp wit and deep introspection made for a compelling chat.
John’s idea of art is to give a passionate sense of life and the world. To illuminate the small unnoticed details that give vitality to a story. The evocative picture he paints is all the more apparent apparent when reading his words.
John notes that he is constantly learning. Every day brings a new experience from which his writing develops. However, as he is his own worst critic, this does not limit the feeling of embarrassment he feels upon the completion of each work. Something I’m sure his many readers find difficult to comprehend!
Listen in to 'Talking Books', as Susan discovers the enjoyment John elicits from his craft. What impacts upon his writing process? And what truly inspires him to write?
Then, Susan will be talking with award winning novelist and playwright Damon Galgut. Damon’s latest book, ‘Arctic Summer’ is a fictitious exploration of the life of the legendary and peculiar author EM Forster. It is a fictionalised account of Forster’s unique and interesting life, culminating with the publication of his defining novel ‘A Passage to India’ in 1924.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Forster, to be raised in Galgut’s book, was his intense and complex relationship with Syed Ross Masood, for whom ‘A Passage to India’ was dedicated. This relationship is skilfully woven into the literary exploits of Forster. Galgut delves further into their shared affinity, shedding further light on the nature of Forster’s prose and the inspiration behind it.
This insight is typical of Galgut, who undertook a mammoth amount of research in developing this masterful novel. Such dedication was imperative in creating an authentic account of Forster. The result was a comprehensive success, as Galgut’s portrayal finely balances the intricacies of truth and invention.
Join Susan and Damon, as they journey through the life of the peerless EM Forster, viewed through the prism of Damon’s fantastic novel ‘Arctic Summer.’
