Person
Every book Eleanor Catton recommended on podcasts
Key facts
- Eleanor Catton has recommended or discussed 5 books on podcasts, as of April 28, 2023.
- Eleanor Catton has talked about books on 1 podcast, as of April 28, 2023.
- Those books came up in 1 episode, as of April 28, 2023.
- The 3 books Eleanor Catton has mentioned in the most episodes, not counting Eleanor Catton's own, as of April 28, 2023: Macbeth, Frankenstein and Permanent Record.
- The latest episode with a book mention from Eleanor Catton aired on April 28, 2023.
Updated
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
-
Birnam Wood
Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton is a gripping literary thriller set in modern-day New Zealand that follows an undercover eco-activist guerrilla gardening group that clashes with an American tech billionaire over a disputed plot of land.
Discussed“it's something that I have thought about a lot especially with writing Burnham Wood”
Where to get it
-
Macbeth
Macbeth by William Shakespeare is a classic tragedy exploring unchecked ambition, guilt, and the devastating moral consequences of treachery.
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
-
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
-
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
-
The Luminaries
The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton is a sprawling, critically acclaimed historical novel set in New Zealand during the 1866 Gold Rush, a work that famously earned the author the prestigious Booker Prize in 2013.
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 | 2023-04-28 | 8 |