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.
Episodes
9 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...
Episode Four: Courttia Newland
The episode we take a look at the five books on Courttia Newland's hypothetical shelf. Courttia Newland is the author of nine books including his debut, The Scholar and the story collection, Cosmogramma. His work has appeared ...
Episode Three: Heidi James
This episode we hear the five books on the hypothetical shelf of the prize-winning author, essayist, poet and podcaster, Heidi James. Her critically acclaimed novels include: The Mesmerist’s Daughter, Carbon, Wounding, So The Doves, an...
Episode Two: Hester Musson
This episode we hear the five books on the hypothetical shelf of the bestselling author, Hester Musson. Hester's debut novel, The Beholders, was a Times bestseller, a Sunday Times historical book of the month and shor...
Episode One: Deepa Anappara
The Hypothetical Bookshelf launches with the talented, award-winning Deepa Anappara. Deepa grew up in Kerala, southern India, and was an award-winning journalist in cities including Mumbai and Delhi. Her debut novel, Djinn Patrol on the Pur...