Why people recommend it
A god in ruins by Kate Atkinson is a companion novel and sequel to Life After Life, following the life of Teddy Todd during and after the London World War II Blitz era. Tom Perrotta discussed the novel on The Book Review, where he seriously recommended that readers first experience Atkinson's earlier book, Life After Life, before diving into this companion work. Alexandra Alter also spoke about the novel on the same podcast, noting that the narrative focuses on the character Teddy. Sarah Lyall discussed the novel's publication history alongside Life After Life, highlighting how both books achieved major critical acclaim by winning the Costa Award for best novel of the year in Britain during the 2010s. Furthermore, Lyall noted the profound emotional impact the story has on its audience, observing that many readers finish the book completely devastated and in tears. Author Kate Atkinson appeared on the podcast to discuss her creative process, explaining that she specifically wanted to write this sequel to follow up on her previous success. She also discussed how this book represents the third time in a row she has set a narrative within the London World War II Blitz period, a sentiment echoed by interviewer Pamela Paul and podcast host Gilbert Cruz, who officially introduced Tom Perrotta to review the novel on the cover of the publication.
Who recommended it
- Sarah Lyall Discussed
- Kate Atkinson Discussed
- Pamela Paul Discussed
- Tom Perrotta Recommended
- Gilbert Cruz Discussed
- Alexandra Alter Recommended
- Greg Coles Discussed
Sarah Lyall — 2 mentions
“in the 2010s two of her other novels Life After Life and its sequel a God in Ruins won the Costa Award for best novel of the year in Britain”
“and lots of people say to me when they got to the end of the Goden ruins they were just in pieces and bits they were crying people”
Kate Atkinson — 2 mentions
“yeah the I really wanted to write was the one that came after which is a God in Ruins”
“this is her third novel in a row that's kind of taken place in the same sort of London World War II Blitz era period the first life after life then a God in Ruins”
Pamela Paul — 2 mentions
“this is your third novel in a row that's kind of taken place in this same sort of London World War II Blitz era period the first life after life then a God in Ruins why what was the attraction”
“we're talking about Kate Atkinson's new novel a God in Ruins”
Tom Perrotta — 2 mentions
“I would seriously recommend reading Life After Life before reading a God in Ruins”
“without spoiling it for readers what happens in a God in Ruins is that you feel like you're getting the definitive version that re reality is not mutable in a Goden ruins there is one reality one history one war one one aftermath”
Gilbert Cruz — 1 mention
“our reviewer Tom parado will join us to talk about a God in Ruins”
Alexandra Alter — 1 mention
“perhaps you know this already but a God in grins her her next novel is about Teddy”
Greg Coles — 1 mention
“new at number six also sort of the second book in a series um Kate Atkinson Covergirl last week yes our Covergirl last week uh has her novel a God in Ruins which is sort of a follow-up or a companion volume to her big bestseller Life After Life”
Also mentioned in the same episodes
- Life After Life
- Orlando
- Transcription
- 14th Deadly Sin
- A Confederacy of dunces cookbook
- America's bitter pill
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“another previous podcast book um a God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson was mentioned by hope Dyan and a couple of other people”