Beloved Author

From the stark moral landscapes of Disgrace to the haunting allegories of Waiting for the Barbarians, Coetzee has earned a reputation as South Africa’s most enigmatic and decorated novelist.In this episode, we sit down with retired lecturer John Stotesbury to explore the man behind the Nobel Prize. We trace his journeys around the globe, unpack the craft behind his famously austere prose, and learn how his work has evolved over time. We will also learn something about John and his fascinating life.Whether you're a longtime admirer or just curious where to begin, this conversation will open your eyes to an author much admired, and why he is worth delving into. It's a long episode, but we promise it's well worth it.Ernesta & Steve-Contact us at [email protected] us on instagram and bluesky-This podcast may include brief readings or audio excerpts from copyrighted works for the purposes of commentary, criticism, education, and discussion. All such use is intended to fall under the doctrine of fair use as defined by applicable copyright law.We do not claim ownership of any copyrighted material featured in this podcast. All rights remain with the original authors, publishers, and rights holders. If you are a copyright holder and believe your work has been used inappropriately, please contact us directly.Original theme music composed by Riku Aronen, used with permission. All rights reserved by the composer.

This sort of episode is why we started this podcast. When we approached our well-read guest about what author they would like to do, we didn’t expect this. A Swedish doctor that has only written one book, a true story about a failed attempt to reach the North Pole by hot air balloon.In this episode, we talk with a literary blogger, bulbasaur fan and intersectional feminist Tiina, about Bea Uusma and her attempts to solve a century old mystery using modern techniques.Some of it is sombre, as we learn about the love story left behind. Some of it is farcical, as we wonder why someone would bring a set of encyclopedias on a hot air balloon. All of it is fascinating.Ernesta & Steve,[email protected] us on instagram and bluesky-Follow Tiina on instagram at @tiinankirjahyllysta-This podcast may include brief readings or audio excerpts from copyrighted works for the purposes of commentary, criticism, education, and discussion. All such use is intended to fall under the doctrine of fair use as defined by applicable copyright law.We do not claim ownership of any copyrighted material featured in this podcast. All rights remain with the original authors, publishers, and rights holders. If you are a copyright holder and believe your work has been used inappropriately, please contact us directly.Original theme music composed by Riku Aronen, used with permission. All rights reserved by the composer.

The undisputed queen of crime. The most popular fiction author of all time. The world record for the longest running stage play. The first woman to surf standing up. Agatha Christie is all these and more. In this episode, we talk with author, quizmaster, and Christie superfan Michael to understand more about her writing, the adaptations, and also her unbelievable life story. It could be a novel in itself!Whether you’re a dedicated fan with a bookshelf of Miss Marple, or only know the TV adaptations of Poirot, you’ll surely learn something in this episode.Ernesta & Steve,[email protected] us on instagram and bluesky-You can buy Michael's books hereFollow him on instagram at @fellfromfictionFind the independent bookshop where he works, also on instagram at @bertsbooks-This podcast may include brief readings or audio excerpts from copyrighted works for the purposes of commentary, criticism, education, and discussion. All such use is intended to fall under the doctrine of fair use as defined by applicable copyright law.We do not claim ownership of any copyrighted material featured in this podcast. All rights remain with the original authors, publishers, and rights holders. If you are a copyright holder and believe your work has been used inappropriately, please contact us directly.Original theme music composed by Riku Aronen, used with permission. All rights reserved by the composer.

Is James Joyce really that difficult? From the legendarily labyrinthine sentences of Ulysses to the grounded reality of Dubliners, Joyce has carved out a niche as Ireland's greatest, most famous, but least-read, author.In this episode, we sit down with Joyce scholar Sari to understand more about Joyce's life story, and how he left Dublin, but always had his heart there.Whether you're a seasoned veteran or wondering where to begin, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and maybe even inspire you to crack open Ulysses.Ernesta & Steve,⁠[email protected]⁠Follow us on ⁠instagram and bluesky-This podcast may include brief readings or audio excerpts from copyrighted works for the purposes of commentary, criticism, education, and discussion. All such use is intended to fall under the doctrine of fair use as defined by applicable copyright law.We do not claim ownership of any copyrighted material featured in this podcast. All rights remain with the original authors, publishers, and rights holders. If you are a copyright holder and believe your work has been used inappropriately, please contact us directly.Original theme music composed by Riku Aronen, used with permission. All rights reserved by the composer.