Why people recommend it
The Volcano Lover by Susan Sontag is a historical novel that revolves around the life of Lord Hamilton, the British ambassador to Naples, and intricately weaves together themes of art, revolution, and romantic obsession. On an episode of Freakonomics Radio titled 635. Can a Museum Be the Conscience of a Nation?, Nicholas Cullinan discussed his admiration for the book while explaining his choice of the Portland vase as a favorite museum artifact, noting that he is a huge fan of Sontag's romantic novel in which historical figures and priceless antiquities intersect. Cullinan praised the narrative depth and historical richness that Sontag brought to her depiction of the late eighteenth-century Neapolitan setting. Additionally, Parul Sehgal brought up the novel during an episode of The Book Review titled Two Times Reporters on ‘The Education of Brett Kavanaugh’, where she recounted an anecdote involving Susan Sontag being approached at a cocktail party by an enthusiastic admirer who expressed deep adoration for The Volcano Lover. Sehgal used the reference to illustrate the widespread cultural footprint of Sontag's work and the profound connection readers formed with her historical characters. Through these podcast appearances, the novel is remembered not only as a masterclass in historical fiction but also as a cultural touchstone that famously resonates with museum directors, literary critics, and devoted readers alike.
Who recommended it
- Nicholas Cullinan Recommended
- Parul Sehgal Discussed
Nicholas Cullinan — 1 mention
“And that's also kind of why I chose it because I'm a big fan of Susan Santag's novel, The Volcano Lover, which is essentially a romantic novel around Lord Hamilton, who was the British ambassador to Naples.”
Parul Sehgal — 1 mention
“or if an editor told me this and tell me if it's in the book was someone came up to her at a cocktail party and said you know I I just absolutely loved your novel The Volcano lover”