The Hypothetical Bookshelf
The Hypothetical Bookshelf is a desert island discs for books. Inspired by Italo Calvino’s essay ‘Whom do we write for? Or The Hypothetical Bookshelf’ this is a podcast that asks writers what other works their writing is in conversation with, looking for the ways new work can make connections between different books on a writer’s and reader’s hypothetical shelf.
Interviewing a different author each time, writers are asked to name five books of fiction or non-fiction that can be put beside their own on that imaginary bookshelf.
The Hypothetical Bookshelf
Latest Episodes
Episode Nine: Emily Midorikawa
This time we discover the five books from the hypothetical shelf of prize-winning author, Emily Midorikawa. Emily’s debut novel, A Tiny Speck of Black and then Nothing, is published by Manilla Press and came out earlier thi...
Episode Eight: Edward Hogan
This episode I speak with the award-winning Edward Hogan and we take a slightly different tac, diving into his favourite five short stories. Ed offers practical suggestions on how to improve your own short story writing and shares his prodigiou...
Episode Seven: Kiare Ladner
This episode we talk to Kiare Ladner. As a child, Kiare wanted to live on a farm, run an orphanage and be on stage. As an adult, she found herself working for academics, with prisoners and on nightshifts. Her short stories have been...
Episode Six: Lara Haworth
This episode explores the five books chosen by the wonderful Lara Haworth. Lara is a writer, visual artist and filmaker. Lara's debut novel, Monumenta, was published by Canongate in July 202...
Episode Five: Catherine Menon
Episode Five explores the hypothetical shelf of the fabulous Catherine Menon. Catherine is Australian-British, has Malaysian heritage and lives in London. She is a University lecturer in robotics and has both a PhD in pure mathematics and an MA...
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