Secret Life of Books
Sophie Gee and Jonty ClaypoleEvery 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
| Publishes | Twice weekly | Episodes | 104 | Founded | a year ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | BooksArtsEducation | |||
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Latest Episodes
Jonty and Sophie were separated by an ocean while Sophie and her family went back to New York and Jonty stayed in Sydney - so they made lemonade out of life's lemons, and created two miniature episodes about the great 16th-century French essayist Mic... more
Sophie talks to one of the world's leading literary scholars, who co-founded a whole branch of literary studies known as "The New Historicism," before reinventing Shakespeare for new generations of readers, and then turning the Roman poet Lucretius i... more
The label says what's in the tin: Secret Life of Books dives deep into weddings and funerals in literature, asking why they become iconic moments to hang a story on. Family strife, betrayal, love, passion, disappointment and hope are all bound up in ... more
With The Moonstone, Wilkie Collins published yet another giant sensation, this time pioneering the detective novel and mystery/heist genre. It was published in 1868 and serialised - just as The Woman White was - in Dickens’ All the Year Round, making... more
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- Always interesting
Th discussions are always interesting, the hosts are well read and I really love the episodes where they focus more on themes than on a specific book or author. The train episode, for example, is one of my favourites.
Apple Podcasts5Hanmay25
United Kingdoma month ago - Lovers of books loving books for book lovers!
Absolutely brilliant show. Just discovered, and am eating up episodes. Hosts are fantastic! So much knowledge, excitement and enthusiasm. More, more, more please!!!
Apple Podcasts5The Last Man in EuropeUnited Kingdoma month ago - Such a delightful gem
One of my absolute favourite books podcasts, brings alive the classics in a fun and humorous way with that English meets australian knowledge.
Apple Podcasts5Tashig
Australiaa month ago - A real gem
Even as someone who struggles getting through some of the classics, this podcast is a delight! It brings books, peoples and places to life, as messages about the past, and hopes for the future. I have loved the musings about readers and how the act of reading brings us together. I have carried many of the thoughts and ideas into my day to day life and pick up on the ripples that certain books, authors and movements have set in motion.. it’s a marvel to tune into this thread. Thank you Jonty and ... more
Apple Podcasts5waitingfortheferryAustralia2 months ago - Enjoyable with some flaws
A podcast I enjoy and look forward to. It has a great range of books discussed and the hosts are knowledgeable & passionate about the novels. They have great chemistry and each episode is good fun.
The one downside is their uncritical eye when it comes to some of their ideas which instead of illuminating or adding depth often act as a break to the conversation.
Two examples of this are one of the hosts arguing Heathcliffe is most likely of Afro-Caribbean heritage funnelling part of the discu... more
Apple Podcasts4Beth Evans1United Kingdom2 months ago
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #213 |  United States/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #40 | United Kingdom/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #112 | United Kingdom/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #151 |  Canada/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #5 | Australia/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #17 | Australia/Arts |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Secret Life of Books
What is Secret Life of Books about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A captivating podcast that investigates the intricate narratives hidden within classic literature, featuring detailed analyses and discussions of various iconic books. The hosts, who are both literature aficionados, offer insights into not just the texts themselves but also the historical and personal contexts behind their creation. Each episode frequently highlights the authors' motivations, societal implications, and the often-overlooked themes that resonate with contemporary audiences. This enriching blend of humor and intellect makes the show appealing to literature enthusiasts and casual readers alike, positioning it as a go-to resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of literary works.
Where can I find podcast stats for Secret Life of Books?
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How many listeners does Secret Life of Books get?
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What are the audience demographics for Secret Life of Books?
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How many subscribers and views does Secret Life of Books have?
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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. The Bookshelf
2. The Book Show
3. Backlisted
4. Sydney Writers' Festival
5. The Waterstones Podcast
How many episodes of Secret Life of Books are there?
Secret Life of Books launched a year ago and published 104 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Secret Life of Books?
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What guests have appeared on Secret Life of Books?
Recent guests on Secret Life of Books include:
1. Hermione Lee
2. Alexandra Harris
3. Alexandra Schwartz
4. Kate Grenville
5. Professor Dominic Rowe
6. Jill Lepore
7. Katherine Parkinson
8. Robert Macfarlane
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.