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Every book Kate Atkinson recommended on podcasts
Kate Atkinson appears on literary podcasts as an acclaimed novelist celebrated for intricate plotting, historical depth, and inventive narrative structures that traverse different eras and genres. Atkinson discusses the rigorous mental preparation required to write about historical conflicts and the evolution of recurring characters across multiple books. Throughout the interviews, Atkinson examined several of their own prominent works alongside classic literature. Atkinson discussed the genesis and thematic weight of Life After Life, noting how the novel's structure involving a character who repeatedly lives and dies led some to categorize it as science fiction, as well as writing its companion novel, A God in Ruins, both of which capture the London World War II Blitz era. Atkinson also explored the inspirations behind these works, referencing Agatha Christie's The Mysterious Affair at Styles and comparing early conceptual ideas to Virginia Woolf's Orlando. Through these conversations, Atkinson offers deep insights into the architecture of historical fiction and the psychological underpinnings of character development.
Books recommended by Kate Atkinson
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A god in ruins
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.
Discussed“yeah the I really wanted to write was the one that came after which is a God in Ruins”
Where to get it
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Life After Life
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson is a celebrated novel that follows protagonist Ursula Todd as she repeatedly dies and is reborn across different eras of the twentieth century, most notably the Second World War.
Discussed“well Life After Life I felt I had to be ready to write about the war and to be able to tackle its seriously so and to give it it he that it deserved”
Where to get it
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Orlando
Orlando by Virginia Woolf is a landmark modernist novel about a poet who changes sex across centuries and lives.
Discussed“it's a bit like Wolf's Orlando”
Where to get it
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The Mysterious Affair at Styles
The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie is a classic detective novel that introduced the brilliant Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot to the world and launched the author's legendary career.
Discussed“which is after Styles which is the house and one of her books right and the Mysterious Affair at Styles”
Where to get it
Books Kate Atkinson wrote
- Life After Life
- A god in ruins
- Transcription
- One Good Turn
- Behind the scenes at the museum
- Case Histories
- Death at the Sign of the Rook
- Our Noble Selves
- Started Early, Took My Dog
- Shrines of Gaiety
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kate Atkinson on the Return of Jackson Brodie | The Book Review | 2024-09-06 | 4 |
| Kate Atkinson on 'Transcription' | The Book Review | 2024-07-18 | 4 |
| Siddhartha Mukherjee Talks About ‘The Gene’ | The Book Review | 2024-07-18 | 1 |