Literary Friction - The Political Essay with Otegha Uwagb...

What this episode covers

Does the written word really have the power to change things? How do you make a good argument in writing? Does the form of the essay lend itself particularly well to politics? Join us as we talk to the writer Otegha Uwagba about her brilliant essay Whites, a clear sighted, powerful comment on race in our society which examines her feelings in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, and the failures of white allyship. Picking up from our discussion of the form of the essay with Brian Dillon in 2017, we’ll be exploring the strengths and limitations of the form and talking about our favourite political essayists, from George Orwell to James Baldwin to Rebecca Solnit, plus all the usual recommendations. Our recommended political essays: Octavia: Daddy Issues by Katherine Angel https://peninsulapress.co.uk/product/daddy-issues Carrie: On Witness and Repair by Jesmyn Ward https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2020/08/jesmyn-ward-on-husbands-death-and-grief-during-covid General Recommendations: Octavia: A Very Easy Death by Simone de Beauvoir https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/10378/a-very-easy-death-by-simone-de-beauvoir/ Otegha: America Is Not the Heart by Elaine Castillo https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/549486/america-is-not-the-heart-by-elaine-castillo/ Carrie: Intimations by Zadie Smith https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/321/321775/intimations/9780241492383.html Email us: [email protected] Tweet us & find us on Instagram: @litfriction

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

Biography Flash Bride of Frankenstein Rises as a Bold New Icon in Maggie Gyllenhaals The Bride 2025

Jun 14, 2026 ·3m

Biography Flash Bride of Frankenstein Returns in 2026 With New Film and Cultural Revival

Jun 7, 2026 ·2m

#66: American Lazarus with Joanna Brooks

Feb 13, 2026 ·70m

#65: The War Within Us with Prof. Liam Corley

Nov 14, 2025 ·52m

#64: Storytelling and Identity with Peggy Sturba

Oct 3, 2025 ·47m

#63: The Bible As A Survival Tool with Courtney Hitson

Sep 12, 2025 ·46m

Similar Podcasts

Audiobooks & Storytelling redditking "Full Audiobooks" is a podcast dedicated to providing a wide variety of complete audiobooks across different genres, from literary classics to new releases. Perfect for book lovers who want to enjoy stories while multitasking, the podcast offers high-quality narrations that are accessible anytime.Hashtags:#FullAudiobooks, #Audiobooks,#storytelling #BookPodcast, #AudioReading, #CompleteBooks, #ProfessionalNarration, #FreeAudiobooks, #EnjoyReading, #PortableReading, #BooksToListenTo, #LiteratureInAudio, #AudioFiction, #AudiobooksInEnglish, #NarratedBooks, #QualityNarration, #BooksForEveryone, #StoriesInAudio, #ListenAndLearn, #DailyReading, #DigitalBooks Remember history and forge ahead rongrongpeng Literary audiobooksThe Fruit of the TreeErotica RomanaThe Lock and Key LibraryOliveIn the CagePamphilia to AmphilanthusThis Simian World The Figure in the Carpet HypatiaMiss MackenzieThe Marble FaunBeric the Briton - A Story of the Roman InvasionThe Guilty RiverCaleb Williams or Things As They AreAutumn Leaves, Original Pieces in Prose and VerseThe Secret HouseThat Mother-in-Law of MineThe Night of the Long KnivesSelections from Ballads of a Cheechako Many Voices (selection from)Evelina's GardenConjuror's House, a Romance of the Free ForestThe Mad King Come listen to it on a lonely night luhui Literary audiobooksThe American Senator By: Anthony Trollope (1815-1882)The Children's Book of Christmas Stories The Midnight Passenger By: Richard Henry Savage (1846-1903)Selected Essays By: Voltairine de CleyreThe Masquerader By: Katherine Thurston (1875-1911)Life in the Iron Mills The Tree-DwellersMonsieur Lecoq: The InquiryThe Girl on the BoatThe Revelation of Baha-ullah in a Sequence of Four LessonsThe PupilThe Great Stone Face and Other Tales of the White MountainsFacing the FlagThe Motor GirlsThe Gilded Age, A Tale of TodaySketches New and OldPenrod and SamShakspere: Personal RecollectionsThe Dawn of a To-morrowA Florentine Tragedy and La Sainte CourtisaneBib BalladsCountess JulieEben Holden - A Tale of the North CountryIn Kent with Charles DickensThe Return of the SoulIn Freedom's Cause Deep Dive Bible Study: from Redhill Radio redhillradio Join us as we embark on an insightful journey through the pages of the Bible, one chapter at a time. Each episode features a deep dive analysis that unpacks the literary themes and theological implications of Scripture. Join our hosts—Tony and Eleanor—as we explore the rich tapestry of biblical narratives, shedding light on hidden meanings and connecting ancient wisdom to modern life.Whether you’re a seasoned scholar or new to the text, our engaging discussions and thoughtful commentary will inspire you to see familiar stories in a new light. Dive in with us and discover the transformative power of the Word, chapter by chapter!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Literary Friction?

This episode is 1 hour and 0 minutes long.

When was this Literary Friction episode published?

This episode was published on November 24, 2020.

What is this episode about?

Does the written word really have the power to change things? How do you make a good argument in writing? Does the form of the essay lend itself particularly well to politics? Join us as we talk to the writer Otegha Uwagba about her brilliant essay...

Can I download this Literary Friction episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.