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Every book Eleanor Catton recommended on podcasts
Eleanor Catton appeared on The Book Review podcast to discuss her novel Birnam Wood and the various literary and historical influences behind her work. Catton cited Mary Shelley's Frankenstein as one of the biggest literary influences in her life, noting that it served as a major inspiration for her own novel The Luminaries. While discussing the genesis of Birnam Wood, Catton explained that the eco-activist guerrilla gardening group at the center of her story takes its name from Shakespeare's play Macbeth, a tragedy she studied closely for its structural qualities and the remarkable number of characters who remain alive at the end. Catton also discussed her research process for Birnam Wood, mentioning that she read Edward Snowden's non-fiction book Permanent Record. Throughout the conversation, Catton reflected on her own skepticism toward the literary establishment and how these varied theatrical, historical, and political sources informed the creation of her contemporary novel.
Books recommended by Eleanor Catton
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Birnam Wood
Discussed“it's something that I have thought about a lot especially with writing Burnham Wood”
Where to get it
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Frankenstein
Frankenstein by Mary W.
Discussed“one of the biggest literary influences in my life has been Mary Shell's Frankenstein”
Where to get it
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Macbeth
Macbeth by William Shakespeare is a classic tragedy exploring unchecked ambition, guilt, and the corrupting nature of political power.
Discussed“and this arouses the attention of a young activist group in New Zealand that called themselves Burnham Wood taking that name of course from Shakespeare's play”
Where to get it
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Permanent Record
Permanent Record by Edward Snowden is a compelling autobiographical memoir that details the life of the former intelligence contractor who orchestrated one of the largest leaks in American history.
Discussed“one of the non-fiction books I read in research for this book actually was Edward snowden's book permanent record”
Where to get it
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The Luminaries
Eleanor Catton's expansive historical novel The Luminaries is a sprawling story set in 1866 New Zealand during the height of the gold rush period, noted for its intricate plotting and connection to astrology.
Discussed“actually it was a huge influence on The Luminaries in lots of ways which Mary shell wrote when she was 19 years old”
Where to get it
Books Eleanor Catton wrote
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eleanor Catton on ‘Birnam Wood’ | The Book Review | 2024-07-18 | 8 |