Diving In

Louise and Virginia discuss five completely different books this time, some recent releases, and one old. They randomly chose to read books without any planned theme this time, but interestingly all five books feature mothers who impact their children in very different ways.BooksTime of the Child by Niall WilliamsInfidelity and Other Affairs by Kate LeggeRachel Ray by Anthony TrollopeMother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati RoyOrdinary Human Failings by Megan NolanOther thingsO Now by Niall Williams – BBC Sounds appPatience, Series two – ABC iViewFilm – I SwearInstagram @diving_in_podcastSong ‘Diving In’ – Original music and lyrics written andperformed by Laura Adeline – https://linktr.ee/llauraadelinePodcast sound production and editing by Andy MaherGraphics by Orla Larkin – [email protected]

Louise and Virginia discuss two big novels by Western Australian Living Treasure, Tim Winton, which reflect his, and our, changing concerns over a 35 year period. There’s much to think about here.On a lighter note Virginia has a new member of her family who is causing chaos!  Lou and Virginia also discuss a few TV shows and a podcast they’ve been diving into.BooksCloudstreetJuiceTVRunawayHow to Get to Heaven from BelfastScarpettaThe House of DynamitePodcastNot Stupid Instagram @diving_in_podcastSong ‘Diving In’ – Original music and lyrics written and performed by Laura Adeline – https://linktr.ee/llauraadelinePodcast sound production and editing by Andy MaherGraphics by Orla Larkin – [email protected]

Louise and Virginia had a lot of fun and laughs discussing the first two novels in William Boyd’s trilogy. Gabriel’s Moon and The Predicament are both great stories about an accidental spy set against the background of actual events in the 1960s, and there was much to discuss. They also talk about a couple of other things they’ve been watching and enjoying.BooksGabriel’s MoonThe Predicament FilmThe Rivals of Amziah KingStreamingScoop - NetflixA Prince No More - StanEmail [email protected] @diving_in_podcastSong ‘Diving In’ – Original music and lyrics written and performed by Laura Adeline – https://linktr.ee/llauraadelinePodcast sound production and editing by Andy MaherGraphics by Orla Larkin – [email protected]

Louise and Virginia loved discussing two authors who are surely two of America's great literary treasures. BooksThe Grapes of Wrath by John SteinbeckSula by Toni MorrisonOther thingsCurtis Brown Creative writing courses, LondonTelevisionWelsh television seriesThe One that Got Away ( 2025)Keeping Faith ( 2017-2021)Hinterland (2013)Email [email protected] @diving_in_podcastSong ‘Diving In’ – Original music and lyrics written and performed by Laura Adeline – https://linktr.ee/llauraadelinePodcast sound production and editing by Andy MaherGraphics by Orla Larkin – [email protected]

Louise and Virginia discuss two Jonathon Coe books, both of which reflect life, politics, culture, and society in the United Kingdom, past and present, as Coe always does so brilliantly. BooksMiddle England by Jonathon CoeBourneville by Jonathon Coe Other things‘Personal Curriculum Tok’ Television Human,  ABC iViewUnder Salt Marsh, Binge Email [email protected] @diving_in_podcastSong ‘Diving In’ – Original music and lyrics written and performed by Laura Adeline – https://linktr.ee/llauraadelinePodcast sound production and editing by Andy MaherGraphics by Orla Larkin – [email protected] 

Louise and Virginia dive deep into all thing’s books for Teen Readers, books categorised ‘Young Adult’ but marketed to teenagers.  They discuss the creation of the category, whether publishers should provide some sort of classification system, or content advice as well as four great books and one book that, whilst very gripping,  is surely mis-categorised - to Virginia’s dismay!  As always they finish the conversation with a few other things they’ve been diving into recently. BooksReturn to Sender by Lauren DraperFive Survive by Holly JacksonBear by Kiri LightfootWhat’s Murder Between Friends by Meg Gatland-VenessMy Family and Other Suspects by Kate Emery Other thingsJournalTok Television Three Families – ABC iView FilmRental Family Email [email protected] @diving_in_podcastSong ‘Diving In’ – Original music and lyrics written and performed by Laura Adeline – https://linktr.ee/llauraadelinePodcast sound production and editing by Andy MaherGraphics by Orla Larkin – [email protected]

Louise and Virginia have finally made it back to the Podcast Studio (Virginia’s dining room) after a gap of more than 18 months, and despite having forgotten how to do a podcast they somehow managed to review two new excellent Australian books that both have a journalist as the central character. They also chat about a few of the non-bookish things they’ve been diving into recently.BooksThe Worst Thing I’ve Ever Done by Clare StephensGravity Let Me Go by Trent DaltonTelevision ShowsVictoria Beckham documentary – NetflixOne Shot - Ed Sheeran documentaryThe Hack – StanTheatreBell Shakespeare CompanyHousekeepingEmail [email protected] @diving_in_podcastSong ‘Diving In’ – Original music and lyrics written and performed by Laura Adeline – https://linktr.ee/llauraadelinePodcast sound production and editing by Andy MaherGraphics by Orla Larkin – [email protected]

Virginia and Louise do a deep dive into Barbara Kingsolver’s Pullitzer Prize winning and compelling novel Demon Copperhead and talk all things Charles Dickens as well as adding some shameful new entries to the infamous Ick Register.BooksOliver Twist, by Charles Dickens, 1838Hard Times, by Charles Dickens, 1854Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, 2023 More Deep DivesEmma, by Jane AustenTelevisionEmma, mini series,  2009 Slow Horses, series 1-3 Apple TV+One Day, Netflix 2023

Louise and Virginia thought it might be fun to do an episode on books that they feel a bit embarrassed to have never read (until now). There were a lot of books to choose from, but they discuss four in this conversation.    During this chat they also create an Ick Register for authors who use words that give the ick, so that readers can be warned in advance (kind of like a trigger warning, but more basic).    Books  The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro  Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami, translated by Jay Rubin  Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote  Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson     Television Shows  Scrublands - Stan  Boy Swallows Universe – Netflix    Podcasts  The Children of Rutherford County – Serial  The Queen’s Reading Room

Louise and Virginia have a great conversation about a lovely Western Australian novel. Salt River Road by the very talented debut author Molly Schmidt captures the large Tetley family at the worst time of their lives. Their wife and mother, Elena, has died after a long illness and left them all devastated. Although the book looks at grief through the eyes of several different characters, it has a forward-moving arc, plenty of heart, and a wonderful ending, with an authentic Western Australian, 1970s feel.BookSalt River Road by Molly Schmidt, 2023, published by Fremantle PressBinge TVStrifeNetflixThe Crown

Louise and Virginia have a conversation about two books with many overlaps, one fiction and one non-fiction, and reflect on the fact that none of this information was taught in the classroom when they were at school.BooksKilling for Country by David MarrEdenglassie by Melissa LukashenkoTV ShowThe Crown – NetflixPodcastsThe Rest is History – Dominic Sandbrook and Tom HollandThe Rest is Entertainment – Richard Osman and Marina Hyde

Virginia and Louise dive into four new releases some of them from our favourite authors!  They also encourage everyone to get their hands on Salt River Road by Molly Schmidt for a bookclub deep dive episode coming up.  Books  The Fraud, Zadie Smyth, 2023, Hamish Hamilton Penguin  Normal Rules Don’t Apply, Kate Atkinson, 2023, Penguin Random House  Tom Lake, Ann Patchett, 2023, Harper Collins  Pearl, Sian Hughes, 2023 UQP  London’s Number One Dog-Walking Agency: A Memoir, Kate MacDougall, 2021 William Morrow  Salt River Road, Molly Schmidt, 2023 Fremantle Press  Streaming  Welcome to Wrexham, Disney  Podcasts  The Whistleblowers, ABC Background Briefing

Louise and Virginia have finally had a conversation about six literary controversies/hoaxes/scandals and it’s a lot of fun! This is  a Topic they both find fascinating so it was great to select three stories each and dive in.    Authors    Norma Khouri  John Hughes  Carmen Mola  Antonio Mercero  Agustin Martinez  Jorge Diaz  Harold Stewart  James McAuley  Dawn Dorland  Sonya Larson  Helen Demidenko/ Darville    BooksThe Dogs by John HughesForbidden Love by Norma KhouriThe Hand that Signed the Paper by Helen Demidenko/Helen Darville    Article  Who is the Bad Art Friend? by Robert Kolker – The New York Times Magazine 2021

Virginia and Louise have read a swag of newly released books both well-known authors and others new  - and only some with the hype they deserve.BooksYellowface  R F Kuang Harper Collins 2023Crook Manifesto Colson Whitehead    2023The Sitter Angela O’ Keefe Queensland University Press 2023Old God’s Time Sebastian Barry 2023PodcastsThe Trial of Lucy Letby UK The Mail Metro MediaInside Design Jane LedgerTheatre‘A Twelfth Night’ - Bell Shakespeare Company 

This time it’s Louise’s turn to talk about the massive French classic that she has been reading, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo. Louise tells Virginia about a very impertinent act by the original translator of the novel, and they discuss the aspects that Louise loved and some that she wasn’t so keen on. Hugo and Dumas were both born in 1802 and were literary confrères throughout their lives, so Notre-Dame and Monte Christo make a great pairing.    Book  The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo    Related Blog:The Gothic Wanderer Wordpress

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas    Streaming  Au Coeur de Peloton/Tour de France: Unchained  Arnold    SBS on Demand  Rogue Heroes    ABC iView  Dangerous Remedy    Podcast   Strict Scrutiny  

Virginia and Louise immerse themselves in the meadows, riverbanks, orchards, high tides and deep snow to explore the deep connection and chasms between community, environment and climate change, in the emerging genre and precious language of eco-fiction. BooksThe Offing by Benjamin Myers, 2019Stolen by Ann-Helene Laestadius, 2023Also consider A Month in the Country by JL CarrLimberlost by Robbie Arnott, 2022.Cuddy by Benjamin Myers 2023The Stella Prize 2023 winner Sarah Holland Batt for The Jaguar. PodcastThe Rest is History podcasts on the CoronationsWiser than Me with Julia Louis Dreyfuss StreamingUnstable The Diplomat Queen Charlotte

Virginia and Louise are excited to share some must-read new releases including compelling stories about activist guerilla gardeners, true crime podcasters, writers rooms, surveillance and murder as well as the pitfalls and power dynamics of modern relationships, social media, dating apps and late night sketch TV.BooksI Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkah, 2023, Flint PublishingBirnam Wood by Eleanor Catton, 2023, Granta PublishingSearch History by Amy Taylor, 2023, Allen and UnwinRomantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld, 2023, Penguin Random HouseStreamingSuccession HBO NetflixThe DiplomatLine of DutyPodcastsMel’s Electric AdventuresKicPod, Keep It Cleaner Podcast

Louise and Virginia jet off to San Francisco in the episode, where they discuss the origins of the City and County, and why it became the home and haven for people wanting to discard façades and identities they may have held in their home towns. They also discuss the original gold rush and the modern tech gold rush and the impact these have had on the city, as well as the serialisation of novels and they way this can shape the overall architecture of a novel. They also revisit the issue of Nazism and the presence of monsters living in plain sight among us. Books The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett, 1941Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin, 1978Daughter of Fortune by Isabelle Allende, 1998Mr Penumbra’s 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan, 2012Days Without End by Sebastian Barry, 2016Television Clarkson’s Farm – PrimeMy Mother and Other Strangers, BBC, ABC iViewBlogLiterary Hub by Megan Abbotthttps://lithub.com/megan-abbott-on-the-difference-between-hardboiled-and-noir/ 

Louise and Virginia do a deep dive into the very contentious topic of Cancel Culture and the trend of cancelling books and authors. They also touch on the subject of banning books (and indeed burning books), which always have the opposite effect of that sought. Virginia and Lou both have very strong opinions on the subject and it’s such an interesting conversation. They also discuss a few great non-bookish things they’ve been diving into of late.BooksThe Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne, 2006, DoubledayAll the Bright Places by John Boyne, 2022, DoubledaySlaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut, 1969Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D H Lawrence, 1928.The Trial of Lady Chatterley’s Lover, Edited by CH RolpheTV ShowsVardy v Rooney-BingeMurder on the Homefront – NetflixSignificant Others – ABC iViewNolly – FoxtelPodcastThe Banned Books Podcast

Louise and Virginia have been immersed in some armchair travel to Tokyo, which has made them both very keen to travel there. These four books are great to read if you have a trip to Japan on your horizon or your bucket list. They also discuss some fabulous TV series to get streaming, a podcast, and they’ve both had very different recent experiences meeting Yotam Ottolenghi (although both evenings were great fun).  Books Death in Tokyo by Keigo Higashino, translated by Giles Murray. Published by St Martin’s Publishing GroupThe Book of Tokyo – A City in Short Fiction, edited by Michael Emmerich, Jim Hinks and Masashi Matsuie. Tokyo Redux by David Peace. Faber 2021Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata and translated by Ginny Tapley TakemoriStreaming TV series Vardy v Rooney – FoxtelHappy Valley – BingeBump – ABCPodcast The Mel Robbins Podcast Yotam Ottolenghi – Test Kitchen

From soccer teams, eerie forests, dysfunctional families and loyal companions, Louise and Virginia ventured back into the world of books for younger readers. BooksA Walk in the Dark by Jane Godwin – Lothian HachetteFootball Fever by Kristin Darell - PenguinTake Me with You When You Go by David Levithan and Jennifer Niven – Penguin 2022Runt by Craig Silvey – Allen and Unwin 2022, Illustrated by Sara ActonTake a Bow, Noah Mitchell by Tobias Madden – Penguin 2022PodcastsMaintenance Phase – Debunking junk science behind health fadsThe Daily – George SantosStreaming Shows Emily in ParisYellowstoneColin from AccountsSlow Horses

Louise lost her beautiful Lagotto dog Buster, two months ago, and so today Virginia and Louise want to dedicate this episode to him and to celebrate the wonder and loyalty that is a dog. In this conversation they discuss four lovely dog-related books as well as a few other things they’ve been diving into lately. BooksDog Stories – Everyman’s Pocket ClassicsAva’s Apartment by Jonathan LethemThe Emissary by Ray BradburyDog Days by Ericka WallerThe Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark HaddonMurder Most Royal by SJ BennettPodcastThe Crown : The Official Podcast with Edith BowmanTV Series The Sandhamn Murders  (SBS Australia)Instagram accounts@[email protected] StreamingShetland Series 6 and 7Julia - with Sarah Lancashire 

Louise and Virginia have been reading some books by debut writers as well as a charming re-release from the 1960s. These are all great books which they enjoyed enormously. They also discuss a few other non-bookish things they’ve been diving into. BooksA Helping Hand by Celia DaleDirt Town by Hayley ScrivenorLessons in Chemistry by Bonnie GarmusThe Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn TVMarriage with Nicola Walker and Sean BeanAnnika with Nicola Walker BBC RadioAnnika Stranded PodcastOff Air with Jane Garvey and Fi Glover

After a long break Virginia and Louise are excited to be back in their makeshift cushion studios to discuss some new releases by authors they absolutely love……. as well as some other popular culture they have been diving in to. Email [email protected] Instagram @diving_in_podcast Virginia’s Instagram @virginia_readsLouise’s Instagram @louise_cooks_and_reads Song ‘Diving In’ – original music and lyrics written and performed by Laura Adeline – https://linkt.ree/llauraadeline  Podcast sound production and editing by Andy Maher. Graphics by Orla Larkin - [email protected] BooksThe Marriage Portrait by Maggie O' Farrell 2022, HachetteShrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson, 2022, Penguin BooksThe Rising Tide by Ann Cleeves 2022, Pan MacmillanExiles by Jane Harper, 2022, Pan MacmillanTelevisionLouise recommends This England and DI RayVirginia recommends Sherwood and Savage RiverMoviesVirginia recommends See How They RunPodcastLouise recommends Empire with Anita Anand and William Dalrymple

Louise and Virginia conclude their dive into Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes in this Book Club episode. They discuss Part 2 of Don Quixote, published over 10 years after Part 1, after an imposter had published a fake sequel. Virginia and Louise discuss several characters, the infamous cave scene and much more .

Louise and Virginia dive into Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes in this Book Club episode. They discuss Part 1 of Don Quixote, first published in Spain in 1605 and regarded as the first modern novel. The conversation covers madness, quests, Shakespeare, naval battles, fools, heroes and the role of the sidekick.

Hello dear friends! Virginia and Louise share some truly excellent Spanish writers and stories in preparation for our up-coming deep dive into Don Quixote.BooksThe Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz ZafonAs I walked out one Midsummer morning – Laurie LeeThe Sun also Rises by Ernest HemingwayThe Tales of the Alhambra by Washington IrvingTelevisionTelevisionPeaky Blinders Season 6A Call to SpyThe White QueenPodcastThe Teachers Trial – The Australian Newspaper

Louise and Virginia chat about two books that they’ve been eagerly looking forward to. Louise went down the Crime route with a gripping detective story that spans Tokyo and London. Virginia finally got her hands on Nina Stibbe’s new novel and as also with Nina Stibbe, the book is a complete delight.BooksThe Fine Art of Invisible Detection by Robert GoddardOne Day I Shall Astonish the World by Nina StibbeNetflixThe Staircase (Docuseries and Dramatisation)PodcastThis American Life – My Lying Eyes

Louise and Virginia have been reading Ghost Stories, a new release and some classic collections. The Louise Erdrich novel is a must-read for book lovers, and the classic ghost stories are the perfect place to start if you love this genre. Louise and Virginia also announce the book they will reading for a Book Club ‘deep dive’ in June.BooksThe Turn of the Screw by Henry JamesGhost Stories by M R JamesThe Sentence by Louise ErdrichThe Ghost Stories of Edith WhartonPodcastThe Rest is History with Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland - GhostsSusannah Fullerton – 10 Novels that Changed the Worldwww.susannahfullerton.com.au

Virginia and Louise dive into the Greek Myths but barely scratch the surface.They also celebrate their 50th episode with a list of their 50 favourite authorsBooksThe Theban Plays By SophoclesAntigone by SophoclesThe Song of Achille by Madeline MillerThe Penelopiad By Margaret AttwoodGreek Myths By Charlotte HigginsHeroines of Olympus by Ellie Mackin RobertsTelevisionBridgerton by Chris van Dusen and Shonda RhimesPodcastsDeeply Human by DessaThe Rest is History by Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook

Louise and Virginia are sweltering in the heat of a Perth summer so they are cooling down with books set in cold countries. This episode they head off to Iceland and Norway and there’s plenty of frosty chill.BooksThe Therapist by Helene FloodThe Sorrow Stone by Kári GíslasonA Question of Guilt by Jorn Lier HorstThe Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley ParrPodcastsThe Rest is History – Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook – Episodes 159 -162 PutinThe Rest is Politics – Alistair Campbell and Rory StewartThe Daily – Will Sanctioning the Oligarchs Change the War?and Putin’s Endgame: A Conversation with Fiona HillTV seriesThe Chestnut Man – Netflix

BooksLove Marriage by Monica AliBrick Lane by Monica AliThe Purloined Letter by Edgar Allan PoeThe Women of Troy by Pat BarkerTV SeriesHidden Assets – SBSPieces of Her - NetflixPodcastsThe Trojan Horse Affair with Hamza Syed and Brian ReedSoundtracking with Edith BowmanMovieBelfast

Louise and Virginia record their first bookish conversation for 2022, after an extra long break over a very hot Western Australian summer. Given the state of the world it’s no surprise that they both reached for some cozy crime books, as well as some other great reads. Lou also recommends a fabulous movie, Virginia has been diving into Stoic philosophy, and there are plenty of laughs as per usual.BooksA Three Dog Problem by S J BennettThe Windsor Knot by S J BennettThe Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman The Man who Died Twice by Richard OsmanThe Islands by Emily BrugmanThe American Senator by Anthony TrollopeTV SeriesThe Long Call, SBS (based on the novel by Ann Cleeves)PodcastsThe Daily Stoic by Ryan HolidayDesert Island Discs – Richard OsmanArt Fraud – Alec Baldwin, Michael ShnayersonMovieHow to Please a Woman

Welcome to the second Diving In podcast for the FANZA Fringe – Virginia and Louise review six wonderful books including Miles Franklin winner Amanda Lohrey’s The Labyrinth and the much anticipated We Were Not Men by Campbell MattinsonEmail [email protected] @diving_in_podcastVirginia’s Instagram @virginia_readsLouise’s Instagram @louise_cooks_and_readsSong ‘Diving In’ – original music and lyrics written and performed by Laura Adeline – https://linkt.ree/llauraadelinePodcast sound production and editing by Andy Maher.Graphics by Orla Larkin - [email protected] Truth About Her by Jacqueline Malley, 2021 Fourth EstateThe Labyrinth by Amanda Lohrey, 2020 text publishingAfter Story by Larissa Behrendt, 2021, UQ PressLove in Theory, Elodie Cheeseman, 2021, MacMillanThe River Mouth, Karen Herbert, Fremantle Press, available 29 September 2021We Were Not Men, Campbell Mattinson, 2021, Fourth EstatePodcastABC Radio, Conversations Podcast by Richard Fidler. Interview with David McAllisterBook: 'Soar – A Life Freed by Dance’ Thames & Hudson, December 2020

Welcome to the FANZA Fringe – Virginia and Louise from the Diving In podcast in Australia are thrilled to be part of the fringe program for FANZA, the charitable Foundation for Australian and New Zealand Arts.The psychological consequences of hoarding and a murderous small town in New Zealand are just some of the surprising narratives in the books discussed for this episode.Email [email protected] @diving_in_podcastVirginia’s Instagram @virginia_readsLouise’s Instagram @louise_cooks_and_readsSong ‘Diving In’ – original music and lyrics written and performed by Laura Adeline – https://linkt.ree/llauraadelinePodcast sound production and editing by Andy Maher.Graphics by Orla Larkin - [email protected] Objects by Emily Maguire, 2021, Allen and Unwin, AustraliaHeartsick by Jessie Stephens, 2021, Pan Macmillan, Australia,The Nancys by RWR McDonald, 2019, Allen and Unwin, AustraliaNancy Business by RWR McDonald, 2021, Allen and Unwin, AustraliaOne Hundred Days by Alice Pung, 2021, Black Inc. AustraliaThe Coconut Children by Vivian Pham, 2020, Penguin BooksOtherAustralian Book Reviewhttps://www.australianbookreview.com.au/

Virginia and Louise do a deep dive into The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles, 2021, Penguin Random House.

By complete coincidence Louise and Virginia read five books which all feature women who are either locked away or are prisoners of their minds. In spite of the serious-sounding themes of the books they spent most of this conversation in puddles of laughter, providing plenty of bloopers material.BooksThe Mad Women’s Ball by Victoria Mas and translated by Frank Wynne, 2021, DoubledayHistory of the Rain by Niall Williams, 2014, BloomsburyMrs March by Virginia Feito, 2021, Harper CollinsTangerine by Christine Mangan, 2019, Little BrownThe Night Village by Zoe Deleuil, 2021, Fremantle PressTelevisionAnnikaGrantchester

Louise and Virginia have been devouring more new releases which have revealed several small coincidences. They also chat about a few non bookish things they’ve been diving into recently.BooksThe Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak, 2021, Penguin.Love and Virtue by Diana Reid, 2021 Ultimo PressAnything But Fine by Tobias Madden, 2021, PenguinCrossroads by Jonathon Franzen, 2021, 4th Estate.Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty, 2021 MacMillanPodcastsA Slight Change of Plans with Maya ShankarBecause of AnitaTelevisionTed Lasso, Apple TV+Nine Perfect Strangers, Netflix

Louise and Virginia have been reading several new releases and loving all of them. They chat about seven very different books in the conversation and there are plenty of laughs.BooksThe Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller, 2021, Penguin RandomHouseBeautiful World, Where Are You? by Sally Rooney, 2021, FaberThe Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki, 2021, Text PublishingTreasure and Dirt by Chris Hammer, 2021, Allen and UnwinWild Abandon by Emily Bitto, 2021, Allen and UnwinGreat Circle by Maggie Shipstead, 2021, RandomHouseThe Art of Patience by Sylvain Tesson, 2021, Bloomsbury

Louise and Virginia have been reading some small but gripping books that have been translated into English; perhaps the ultimate type of ‘own voices’ reading. By complete coincidence they ended up in the same parts of the world.Books:Tomorrow They Won’t Dare to Murder Us by Joseph Andras and translated by Simon Lesser. 2021, Verso.People Like Them: A Novel by Samira Sedira and translated by Lara Vergnaud. 2020, Raven BooksMadonna in a Fur Coat by Sabahattin Ali and translated by Maureen Freely and Alexander Dawe. 1943, Other Press.At Night All Blood is Black by David Diop and translated by Anna Moschovakis. 2018, Pushkin Press.Podcasts:ABC Nature TrackThe DropoutIn Writing with Hattie CrisellCinefest Oz Films:The Drover’s Wife: The Legend of Molly JohnsonNitram

Virginia and Louise loved reading Hamnet for Episode 21 ‘Twin Tales’, so decided to do a deep dive into Maggie O’Farrell’s back catalogue. They discuss four of her earlier novels, all fantastic, as well as a few other things they’ve been diving into.BooksAfter You’d Gone by Maggie O’Farrell, 2000, Tinder PressThe Distance Between Us by Maggie O’Farrell, 2004, Tinder PressThe Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O’Farrell, 2006, Tinder PressInstructions For a Heatwave by Maggie O’ Farrell, 2013, PenguinThe Kindness Revolution, Hugh Mackay, Allen & Unwin 2021PodcastsHow to Fail, with Maggie O’FarrellDesert Island Discs, with Maggie O’FarrellThe House that Vanished, BBC SoundsTV seriesHacks, on Stan

Today’s books are all crime books set in the legal world. Some are brand new, one is an oldie, but all are great.Email [email protected] @diving_in_podcastVirginia’s Instagram @virginia_readsLouise’s Instagram @louise_cooks_and_readsSong ‘Diving In’ – original music and lyrics written and performed by Laura Adeline – https://linkt.ree/llauraadelinePodcast sound production and editing by Andy Maher.Graphics by Orla Larkin - [email protected] Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead, 2016, Little, BrownWhile Justice Sleeps by Stacey Abrams, 2021, HarperCollinsTragedy at Law by Cyril Hare, 1942, Faber and FaberThe Last Trial by Scott Turow, 2021, Pan MacmillanPodcasts99% Invisible – The ClinchThe Party Room with Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly

Louise and Virginia thought it might be fun if they each chose a book for the other, and in this episode they reveal what they thought of the books they were given. They also discuss some great podcast episodes, a couple of books they’ve each finished recently, and an excellent period costume drama series.Email [email protected] @diving_in_podcastVirginia’s Instagram @virginia_readsLouise’s Instagram @louise_cooks_and_readsSong ‘Diving In’ – original music and lyrics written and performed by Laura Adeline – https://linkt.ree/llauraadelinePodcast sound production and editing by Andy Maher.Graphics by Orla Larkin - [email protected]’s Children by Salman Rushdie, 1981, VintageLove and Treasure by Ayelet Waldman, 2013, Penguin Random HouseA Children’s Bible by Lydia Millet, 2020, W. W Norton & Co.Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri, 2021, BloomsburyPodcastsThis American Life, Episodes dated 739 Sisters and 741 The Power of WordsNovel Pairings episodes on Pride and PrejudiceTV seriesNetflix: Sophie: A Murder in West CorkBelgravia - Julian Fellowes

Louise and Virginia dive into ‘pleasurable terror’ and explore Wuthering Heights for Book Club. They have some controversial views about Heathcliff and Cathy, take a deep dive into why we love all things gothic, and also discuss some new-release Gothic fiction.Email [email protected] @diving_in_podcastVirginia’s Instagram @virginia_readsLouise’s Instagram @louise_cooks_and_readsSong ‘Diving In’ – original music and lyrics written and performed by Laura Adeline – https://linkt.ree/llauraadelinePodcast sound production and editing by Andy Maher.Graphics by Orla Larkin - [email protected] Heights by Emily BrontëThe Bass Rock by Evie Wyld, 2020, Penguin Random HouseThe Shape of Darkness by Laura Purcell, 2021, Bloomsbury

Louise takes a Swandive with Polly Phillips, author of award winning novel ‘My Best Friend’s Murder’ published by Simon & Schuster.Email [email protected] @diving_in_podcastVirginia’s Instagram @virginia_readsLouise’s Instagram @louise_cooks_and_readsSong ‘Diving In’ – original music and lyrics written and performed by Laura Adeline – https://linkt.ree/llauraadelinePodcast sound production and editing by Andy Maher.Graphics by Orla Larkin - [email protected]

Louise and Virginia decided to have another episode where they read whatever they wanted and they chose some great books. They also discussed a couple of good podcasts, a life hack that is wine-related, and some book news.Email [email protected] @diving_in_podcastVirginia’s Instagram @virginia_readsLouise’s Instagram @louise_cooks_and_readsSong ‘Diving In’ – original music and lyrics written and performed by Laura Adeline – https://linkt.ree/llauraadelinePodcast sound production and editing by Andy Maher.Graphics by Orla Larkin - [email protected] BooksMy Policeman by Bethan Roberts, 2012, VintageSorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason, 2020, HarperCollinsThe Motion of the Body Through Space by Lionel Shriver, 2020 HarperCollinsDreamland by Rosa Rankin-Gee, 2021, Simon & SchusterPodcastsIn Writing with Hattie Crisell – George SaundersAll In the Mind ABC – Super Voice RecognisersAbsolutely Mental with Ricky Gervais and Sam Harris

Louise and Virginia abandoned any theme this episode and read whatever books took their fancy. They also have a useful writing tip, a life hack, and they’ve been diving into a variety of other great things.Email [email protected] @diving_in_podcastVirginia’s Instagram @virginia_readsLouise’s Instagram @louise_cooks_and_readsSong ‘Diving In’ – original music and lyrics written and performed by Laura Adeline – https://linkt.ree/llauraadelinePodcast sound production and editing by Andy Maher.Graphics by Orla Larkin - [email protected]• Burnt Sugar by Anvi Doshi, 2020, Hamish Hamilton for Penguin Random House• We Begin at The End by Chris Whitaker, 2020, Zaffre• Acts of Desperation by Megan Nolan, 2021 Penguin Random House• Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, 2019 Pan Macmillan• Before the Coffee Gets Cold, Tales from the Cafe by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, 2020 Pan Macmillan• Writing from Start to Finish by Kate Grenville, 2001, Allen & UnwinPodcastFeel Better Live More – Dr Rangan Chatterjee interviewing James Nestor TelevisionFamily Business Netflix

Louise and Virginia both started reading books by Tana French so they decided to make that the theme for today, and they’ve paired those books with some much older crime novels for contrast. They also discuss some current reads, share some bookish news, a writing tip from a very successful author and discuss a gripping crime series on Netflix.Email [email protected] @diving_in_podcastVirginia’s Instagram @virginia_readsLouise’s Instagram @louise_cooks_and_readsSong ‘Diving In’ – original music and lyrics written and performed by Laura Adeline – https://linkt.ree/llauraadelinePodcast sound production and editing by Andy Maher.Graphics by Orla Larkin - [email protected] the Woods by Tana French, 2007, Hodder and StoughtonThe Searcher by Tana French, 2020, Penguin VikingThe Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle, 1902.The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler, 1953, PenguinWe Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker, 2020 Zaffre BooksFriends and Dark Shapes by Kavita Bedford, 2021Text PublishingA Sort of Life by Graham Greene, 1971, Slightly FoxedNetflixDeadwater Fell

Louise and Virginia discuss several books with truth-telling at the heart of the story. They also chat about two excellent podcasts, a Netflix movie, some publishing news, a life hack and a writing tip.Email [email protected] @diving_in_podcastVirginia’s Instagram @virginia_readsLouise’s Instagram @louise_cooks_and_readsSong ‘Diving In’ – original music and lyrics written and performed by Laura Adeline – https://linkt.ree/llauraadelinePodcast sound production and editing by Andy Maher.Graphics by Orla Larkin - [email protected] One is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood, Bloomsbury, 2021Tipping by Anna George, Penguin Random House, 2021.Leave the World Behind by Ruuman Alam, Bloomsbury, 2020.The Liar’s Dictionary by Eley Williams, William Heinemann 2020.How to be an Author by Georgia Richter & Deborah Hunn, Fremantle Press 2020NetflixMoxie – Amy PoehlerPodcastsThe DropoutSoundtracking with Edith BowmanLife HackFindation.com