Why people recommend it
Lydia Millet's novel Sweet Lamb of Heaven follows a mother who flees from her sinister husband alongside her young daughter after hearing a mysterious, disembodied voice. The book was discussed and reviewed on episodes of The Book Review podcast. Pamela Paul introduced the novel by noting that tales of new motherhood frequently feature protagonists who appear to be losing their grip on reality, using this framing to present Millet's story. Paul later wrapped up a segment by reiterating the book's title and author, and mentioning its review by Laura Litman. Gilbert Cruz also brought up Sweet Lamb of Heaven during conversations with the author on the podcast, contrasting its narrative style and genre elements with her other works to discuss her writing philosophy. Cruz noted that while the book operated somewhat as a thriller, Millet's subsequent projects shifted directions significantly. In response, Millet explained her artistic choices, remarking that she simply preferred not to repeat herself by writing the same book twice. Through these discussions on the podcast, the hosts and the author explored how the novel fits into her broader literary catalog, highlighting her stylistic evolution and the psychological themes embedded within her fiction.
Who recommended it
- Pamela Paul Recommended
- Gilbert Cruz Discussed
Pamela Paul — 3 mentions
“Lydia Millet will be here to talk about her new book sweet Lamb Of Heaven”
“Tales of new motherhood often feature a woman who seems to be going off the rails and in sweet Lamb Of Heaven we've got a mother who hears a disembodied voice and with her daughter fleas from a Sinister husband”
“the book again is called sweet Lamb Of Heaven by Lydia Millet and it's reviewed this week in the book review by Laura Litman”
Gilbert Cruz — 2 mentions
“because sweet Lamb Of Heaven for example was a kind of Thriller this is very much not that”
“because sweet Lamb Of Heaven for example was a kind of Thriller this is very much not that you put it very kindly I think I just don't like to write the same book twice”
Also mentioned in the same episodes
- A Children's Bible
- Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are?
- Beyond the melting pot
- Dinosaurs
- Eligible
- Listen, Liberal
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“she was last year for her last novel sweet Lamb Of Heaven”