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Artwork for Secret Life of Books

Secret Life of Books

Sophie Gee and Jonty Claypole
Jane Eyre
Wide Sargasso Sea
Colonialism
Jean Rhys
Gulliver's Travels
Wuthering Heights
Literary Classics
Jonathan Swift
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
Victorian Society
Childhood
Alice's Adventures In Wonderland
Macbeth
Emperor Of Bledfuscu
Brobdingnag
Lilliput
Gothic Literature
Victorian Era
Emily Bronte

Every book has two stories: the one it tells, and the one it hides.The Secret Life of Books is a fascinating, addictive, often shocking, occasionally hilarious weekly podcast starring Sophie Gee, an English professor at Princeton University, and Jonty Claypole, formerly director of arts at the BBC. Every week these virtuoso critics and close friends take an iconic book and reveal the hidden story ... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes144Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ArtsEducationBooks

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Artwork for Secret Life of Books

Latest Episodes

As part of our series on the writing of Toni Morrison we’re lucky enough to record a conversation with one of the world’s leading Toni Morrison scholars, Professor Autumn Womack. Autumn has spent more time with the Morrison Papers at Princeton Univer... more

Song of Solomon (1977) propelled Toni Morrison into mainstream recognition as a major American writer, not just of her own generation but all generations, past present and to come. Song tackled something close to the “whole” of African American histo... more

With all the fuss and fanfare around Wuthering Heights, we’re worried Emily Bronte is getting more than her fair share of attention. So today we shift the SLOB-light to her younger sister Anne, author of the remarkable The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, pu... more

A special bonus episode about the blockbuster phenom of Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday celebrations. Sophie’s guest is Professor Devoney Looser, one of the world’s leading Austen scholars, and the author of the brilliant Wild for Austen: A Rebellious, ... more

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Recent Guests

Devoney Looser
Regents Professor at Arizona State University and Austen scholar.
Arizona State University
Episode: Jane Austen's Birthday: why everyone wants to party with Jane
James Runcie
Author of the Grantchester Mysteries
Author
Episode: The Golden Age of Crime with Grantchester's James Runcie
Colm Tóibín
Acclaimed Irish novelist, known for works such as 'Brooklyn' and 'The Master'
None specified
Episode: Henry James 2: Colm Tóibín on Henry James
Rowan Tomlinson
Senior Lecturer in Renaissance Studies at the University of Bristol and Montaigne scholar
University of Bristol
Episode: Montaigne pt2: A Montaigne out of a mole hill (with Rowan Tomlinson)
Hermione Lee
A prominent literary biographer and Emeritus Professor of English at Oxford University
Oxford University
Episode: BONUS: Writing Virginia Woolf's life (with Hermione Lee)
Alexandra Harris
Woolf Scholar and writer currently immersed in a book about Virginia Woolf
Episode: Virginia Woolf 5: The Waves
Alexandra Schwartz
Writer and critic, co-host of The New Yorker Magazine's Critics at Large podcast
The New Yorker
Episode: BONUS: Reading Mrs Dalloway (with Alexandra Schwartz)
Kate Grenville
Award-winning Australian author known for her historical fiction
Episode: The Secret River with Kate Grenville
Professor Dominic Rowe
Neurologist and head of the Macquarie University Centre for MND Research
Macquarie University
Episode: Life and love with MND: Lisa Genova's Every Note Played with Prof Dominic Rowe

Hosts

Sophie Gee
Sophie Gee is an English professor at Princeton University, academic, writer, and co-host of the podcast. She brings a wealth of knowledge about literature and its hidden narratives, contributing to insightful discussions about various classic texts.
Jonty Claypole
Jonty Claypole is a former director of arts at the BBC and co-host of the podcast. His background in broadcasting adds a distinct flavor to the discussions, characterized by humor and a wealth of insight into the cultural implications of literature.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 383 ratings
  • Love this podcast

    Sophie and Jonty have great insight and passion to share. The repartee and mild disagreements make this podcast a very enjoyable listening experience.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mullengandra
    Australiaa month ago
  • Correction

    I tend to question the source’s accuracy of information provided when an easily checked fact is notably wrong. Toni Morrison was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993 not 1996 as SG claimed in the introduction. Disappointing as I have enjoyed the podcast to date though wondering how many other errors in previous episodes?

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    ROYMI5
    Australiaa month ago
  • The book podcast I want to keep listening to

    Sophie and Jonty discuss the books I want to revisit, and they do it in ways that always give me something new to think about. Pure fun!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Roxane M.
    United Statesa month ago
  • Sophie is my North Star

    Best pod on here. Lighthearted passionate

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KatinScotland
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Love sharing the secret

    Some great stuff here, both secret and otherwise 💕🍁

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Dalyght
    Canada2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The rapport between the hosts is frequently praised, enhancing the overall listening experience.
Listeners appreciate the blend of humor and intellectual depth in analyses of classic literature.
Some critics have noted inaccuracies in discussions, but overall feedback remains overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing inspiration to explore literature further.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#32
United States/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#101
United States/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#14
United Kingdom/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#32
Canada/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#43
United Kingdom/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#103
Canada/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Jane Austen's Birthday: why everyone wants to party with Jane
Q: What side of Jane Austen's life as a writer would you love people most to understand as being important?
Her engagement with the political revolutions and social changes of her time, which is often overlooked.
The Golden Age of Crime with Grantchester's James Runcie
Q: Why did you choose to write to that particular period?
To explore a social history of England post-war in a time when crime fiction could reflect changing societal attitudes.
The Golden Age of Crime with Grantchester's James Runcie
Q: What is it about these books that made them so appealing both at the time and enduringly so?
The blend of traditional murder mystery puzzles with significant emotional depth post-war created a lasting appeal.
Henry James 2: Colm Tóibín on Henry James
Q: Considered overall, do you think of Henry James as being an overrated or an underrated writer?
Colm believes James is often studied purely for political reasons rather than for the pleasure of reading, suggesting that many readers still appreciate him for the joy his work brings.
Henry James 2: Colm Tóibín on Henry James
Q: What is your favorite James novel?
Colm Tóibín cites 'Portrait of a Lady' as his favorite, while acknowledging that 'What Maisie Knew' is less convincing in his view.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Secret Life of Books

What is Secret Life of Books about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast offers an insightful and engaging exploration of classic literature by examining the narratives hidden within well-known books. Hosted by a literature professor and a former arts director, each episode focuses on a particular book, dissecting not just its themes and characters, but also the lesser-known stories behind its creation and societal impact. The discussions often touch on the darker aspects of these books, including themes of domestic violence, obsession, and colonialism, adding layers of depth to the listener's understanding of the literature. Notably, the hosts incorporate humor and wit in their analyses, making the content accessible and enjoyable for both literature enthusiasts and casual readers. The combination ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Secret Life of Books?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Secret Life of Books:

1. Chat 10 Looks 3
2. Backlisted
3. Bookclub
4. Jane Austen's Paper Trail
5. Conversations

How many episodes of Secret Life of Books are there?

Secret Life of Books launched 2 years ago and published 144 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Secret Life of Books?

Recent guests on Secret Life of Books include:

1. Devoney Looser
2. James Runcie
3. Colm Tóibín
4. Rowan Tomlinson
5. Hermione Lee
6. Alexandra Harris
7. Alexandra Schwartz
8. Kate Grenville

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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