In this episode, novelist Scott O’Connor returns to continue our discussion of John le Carré’s novel The Constant Gardener. We explore significant characters like Tessa and Arnold Bloom, discussing their roles and revelations about sexuality and societal norms in Kenya. We also talk about the moral complexities faced by Justin, and just what the on…

In this episode, creative writing teacher and acclaimed writer Scott O’Connor joins to explore the layered complexities of John le Carré’s novel The Constant Gardener. The discussion ranges from O’Connor’s initial discovery of le Carrés works while researching for his own novel, Half World, to the idea that readers often connect with books differen…

In this mini episode, Mark Meynell returns to explain just what that whole High Church/Low Church concept discussed in A Murder of Quality is about. Mark explains the historical and social distinctions between the two, detailing how Anglicanism and its relationship with non-conformist denominations shaped British society and class systems over time…

In the latest episode of the le Carré Cast, host Jeff continues his discussion with Mark Meynell about the themes and narrative intricacies of John le Carré’s A Legacy of Spies. The conversation explores how le Carré revisits and deconstructs the world and characters he created in The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, revealing the bleak and ultimatel…

The chilling true story of a brutal family murder in a small Kansas town—and the two drifters who committed it. With haunting detail and literary precision, Truman Capote delves into the minds of the killers, the grief of the community, and the fragile boundary between good and evil. The Book: In Cold Blood Let's Get LIT! Links & Resources: Grab yo…

Two sisters in Nazi-occupied France choose different paths—one struggles to protect her daughter while living under enemy rule, the other risks everything to join the Resistance. This is a heartbreaking and inspiring tale of survival and sacrifice that celebrates the extraordinary strength of women in the face of unimaginable odds. The book: The Ni…

In this episode of the le Carré Cast, host Jeff speaks with Mark Meynell, a freelance writer and author of ten non-fiction books, about his transition to writing fiction and his recent book, ‘A Wilderness of Mirrors.’ The discussion covers Mark’s discovery of John le Carré’s works, particularly A Legacy of Spies. They delve into the themes of espio…

Set in Nazi-occupied France, The Nightingale follows two sisters—one cautious and reserved, the other bold and rebellious—as they each fight to survive and resist in their own way. As war tests their courage and loyalty, both women are drawn into dangerous choices that will define their legacy. The book: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah Let's get …

Two girls from different racial backgrounds meet in a shelter and form a complicated, lifelong bond. As they reunite at various points in their lives, shifting memories and buried prejudices force them—and the reader—to confront how race, class, and personal history shape perception. The result is a reading experience as powerful as it is provocati…

In part two of my discussion with Sleeper Beach novelist Nick Harkaway we discuss the latest in le Carré news. Nick talks about the upcoming adaptation of one of his novels into an Amason Prime show Kill Jackie, season 2 of The Night Manager and an update about the new comic series, The Circus: Losing Control. Finally, we of course chat about the n…

In the shadowy depths of the Cold War, retired British intelligence officer George Smiley is called back to uncover a Soviet mole buried deep within the highest ranks of MI6. Smiley must outwit an enemy hiding in plain sight as he navigates a treacherous world of half-truths, betrayal, and old loyalties. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a subtle, cereb…

After Maddy Montgomery is left at the altar by her Fiance, M.D., she learns she's inherited her aunt's bakery and decides to start anew in Small Town, Michigan. But not even a week after her move, Maddy finds herself the prime suspect in a real-life murder. Will our designer-label-loving heroine solve the case before her Gucci goose is cooked? Let'…

In this episode I am pleased to welcome back novelist Nick Harkaway. We discuss his latest work, Sleeper Beach, the second in his Titanium Noir series of futuristic mysteries. We talk about his earlier nonfiction book The Blind Giant, how we should be using technologies, and what does it mean when tech companies turn un-Evil. Plus, get your elevato…

Careless People is a riveting exposé that uncovers how ambition and entitlement at the highest levels of power can erode truth, ethics, and democracy itself. Through gripping storytelling, Sarah Wynn-Williams delivers a chilling reminder of what's lost when idealism gives way to unchecked greed. Let's get LIT! Links & Resources: Grab your Digital R…

When someone steals a Black classical violinist's priceless family heirloom on the eve of the most important competition of his career, he must unravel a web of greed, racism, and long-buried secrets to reclaim his rightful legacy. The Violin Conspiracy is a gripping mystery that explores the power of music, resilience, and the fight for justice in…

In this episode I welcome Tod Hoffman, author of Le Carré Landscape, to the show. Tod is a former Canadian Intelligence Officer and used that knowledge to write his insightful book looking at le Carré’s work. We discuss le Carré’s use of interrogation in his novels, slow moving bureaucracy versus moving quickly and his decision to leave the service…

To hear this episode in full, subscribe to LIT Society on Patreon. We begin this week's episode with a tour of hidden and secret libraries worldwide (2:00). Then, let's continue with the conclusion of The Shadow of the Wind (10:45). Daniel unravels the tragic end of Julián Carax, uncovers a heartbreaking love story buried beneath layers of deceptio…

In post-war Barcelona, a young boy named Daniel discovers a mysterious novel, The Shadow of the Wind, only to learn that someone has been systematically destroying every copy of the author's works. As he delves into the book's secrets, Daniel becomes entangled in a dark, decades-old mystery of love, betrayal, and revenge that mirrors the story with…

In this episode we break down the news of a new George Smiley TV series – Legacy of Spies. I have TV and Film expert Matthew Bradford on to talk through what we know and might expect to come. We talk about the long gestating project, producers, and casting. All that and much more in this episode. Matthew’s interview with Graham Yost in which he tal…

This is a Patreon Member Exclusive Episode (PMEE), meaning you must be a paid member of our Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/litsocietypod) to hear the entire episode. Today's book is about a death doula who attends death cafes to avoid pragmatically taking hold of her own life. If you have no idea what a death doula or a death cafe is, listen on…

Hey there, Team LITeratti and welcome to SEASON SIX of LIT Society!!! ("noises of celebration") We're so happy to be back with you and discussing AMAZING books and stories. We begin this episode by catching up and letting you all know what we've been doing with our time away (00:00). Then we discuss "Who is Haile Selassie?"—our theme of the week (0…

In this episode we are celebrating 50 years of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by counting up to 50 interesting things about the book. For numbers one to ten I’m welcoming Matthew Bradford back to the podcast. We talk that iconic cover, opening line and dig into the mystery of who the novel was dedicated to. All that and much more in this episode. Le Car…

In this episode I speak to author Ben H. Winters about his Crime Reads article “In Praise of Reading Le Carré’s Entire Oeuvre In Order”. We talk about the joys of reading an author’s work from start to finish, the connection between author and reader as well as The Looking Glass War as The Bad News Bears. All that and much more in this episode. P.S…

In this episode we continue to look at Nick Harkaway’s 2024 George Smiley novel, Karla’s Choice. You can find part one here. Steven Ritterman, le Carré expert and collector, returns to talk through what we thought about this new Smiley novel. Plus, an exclusive discussion with Nick Harkaway about Karla’s choice. All that and much more in this episo…

In this episode we look at Nick Harkaway’s 2024 George Smiley novel, Karla’s Choice. Steven Ritterman, le Carré expert and collector, joins me to talk through all of our thoughts on this Smiley continuation novel. We talk reference Jurassic Park’s famous quote “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to …

In this episode I’ve pulled some of my favorite clips from shows this past year. If you missed an episode or enjoyed the shows from this past year, I think you’ll enjoy it. Listen in for the cream of the crop! Dominic Sandbrook on le Carré Paul French on The Honourable Schoolboy Mac Rodgers on the BBC Audio Dramas Shaun McKenna on writing the BBC A…

This episode the le Carré Cast delves into the world of true crime with a look at one of the strangest moments in le Carré’s literary history. You won’t read about this one in Sisman’s biography! Settle in for the case of the fake blurbs. Further Reading Sources used to write this post are below. Both The New York Times and The Washington Post had …

In this episode we continue to look at John le Carré’s 2003 novel, Absolute Friends. Shane Whaley, host of the Spybrary podcast, is back to break down all of the action in this novel. We talk about the dramatic end of the novel, Mundy and Sasha’s motives and talk about the dangers of entrapment. Plus, an unexpected change in point of view that le C…

Grab your Digital Reading Journal here: ETSY or Patreon. We reflect on another year of incredible (and sometimes not-so-incredible) reads! In this fun and insightful episode, we share our top book picks of the year—stories that captivated our imaginations and stayed with us long after the final page. But it's not all sunshine and roses! We also div…

In this episode we look at John le Carré’s 2003 novel, Absolute Friends. Shane Whaley, host of the Spybrary podcast joins the show to look at one of his favorite le Carré novels. We talk about the enigma that is Absolute Friends lead character Ted Mundy. How many trips over the wall does it take to get a gold watch from MI6? And do all tour guides …

Listen to full episodes for free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/litsocietypod From an award-winning, multihyphenate global entertainer comes one of the most anticipated books of the year - the inspiring guide to understanding your genuine value and identity based on her real-life experience conquering her industry for decades. The book: Mast…

Listen to full episodes for free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/litsocietypod On a distant planet, a team of scientists is conducting surface tests, shadowed by their company-supplied droid. This self-aware security unity has hacked its governor module and refers to itself as MURDERBOT. The book: All Systems Red The author: Martha Wells LET'…

Donate to #TeamEvie and the Literally Healing program at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Go to TinyURL.com/giveTE to make a monetary donation to the Literally Healing program or go to TinyURL.com/TeamE24, pick a book and make sure to pick Team Evie as the shipping location. That’s so much for your support. In this episode I am pleased to we…

Listen to the full episode on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/litsocietypod. World War II is over, and peace reigns in American suburbia. Under a tree in the Keller family's placid backyard, planted to commemorate a son missing in action, Chris Keller courts Ann, the charming, forthright young woman his brother left behind. But their growing passi…

Listen to the full episode for free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/litsocietypod/membership. A brilliant, action-packed reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn , both harrowing and ferociously funny, told from the enslaved Jim's point of view. When the enslaved Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separa…

Donate to #TeamEvie and the Literally Healing program at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Go to TinyURL.com/giveTE to make a monetary donation to the Literally Healing program or go to TinyURL.com/TeamE24, pick a book and make sure to pick Team Evie as the shipping location. That’s so much for your support. In this episode I am pleased to we…

Listen to the full episode for free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/litsocietypod/membership. Thanks to her lying ex-husband, Finlay juggles two kids, a deadline for her next book and her sanity. If that's not enough, she soon finds herself working against the Russian Mafia as the prime suspect in the disappearance of one of their top men! Will…

Donate to #TeamEvie and the Literally Healing program at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Go to TinyURL.com/giveTE to make a monetary donation to the Literally Healing program or go to TinyURL.com/TeamE24, pick a book and make sure to pick Team Evie as the shipping location. That’s so much for your support. In this episode I am pleased to we…

Listen to the full episode for free on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/litsocietypod/membership White Nights is a short story by Fyodor Dostoevsky that was published in 1848. Set in St. Petersburg, it is the story of a young man fighting his inner restlessness. A light and tender narrative, it delves into the torment and guilt of unrequited love. B…

In this episode we continue our look at John le Carré’s 1977 novel, The Honourable Schoolboy. Find Part 1 here and Part 2 here. Writer Paul French returns to the show for our epic finale looking at The Honourable Schoolboy. We talk more about the politics of Southeast Asia in the 1970’s, Jeff throws out his crazy fanboy theories and did Janet Leigh…

Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/litsocietypod. Notes on Grief is an exquisite work of meditation, remembrance, and hope, written in the wake of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's beloved father's death in the summer of 2020. As the COVID-19 pandemic raged around the world and kept Adichie and her family members separated from one another, her fat…

To keep listening, join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/litsocietypod. Grace and Jack are gorgeous newlyweds, swimming in money and success. They seem to have it all. They may even tempt you toward jealousy. Look closer, however. Ask yourself why Grace doesn't have a phone or email address, where her friends are, and what she does all day in t…

In this episode we continue our look at John le Carré’s 1977 novel, The Honourable Schoolboy. Find Part 1 here. Writer Paul French returns to the show to share his extensive knowledge of China and Hong Kong. We talk about the political background surrounding China and the UK when THS was written, the Ko brothers, and ponder Lizzie Worthington. Plus…

To keep listening, subscribe to our free tier on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/litsocietypod. How to Survive a Plane Crash: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/how-to-survive-plane-crash https://www.fodors.com/news/airlines/how-to-survive-a-plane-crash Six minutes after takeoff, Flight 1421 crashed into the Pacific Ocean. During the eva…

Join for free on Patreon to continue listening to our show: https://www.patreon.com/litsocietypod/membership Y'all made us re-read The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. Our first read and review, over three years ago, got us ratioed on YouTube. You called us names and battered us verbally for not liking the ending of this book. Our momma's alw…

In this episode we begin our look at John le Carré’s 1977 novel, The Honourable Schoolboy. I’m pleased to welcome writer Paul French to the show. Paul has extensive knowledge of China and Hong Kong and is the perfect person to discuss this particular novel. We talk about where le Carré got his ideas for the opening scene of the novel, the politics …

To keep listening, subscribe to our free tier on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/litsocietypod. On paper, Yinka has it all. She's Oxford-educated, beautiful, and constantly surrounded by friends and family. Still, one persistent question makes her examine her value and identity: "Where is your husband?" Will Yinka find happiness, and will that hap…

Part 1 can be found here. Part 2 can be found here. We delve into the fascinating life of the enigmatic author Sarah Gainham, also known as Rachel Ames, with her godson Jonathan Ray, a drinks editor for The Spectator. We explore Rachel’s mysterious persona, her connections with spies and diplomats, and her life as an author. Jonathan shares stories…

Last week, we saw young Dodo captured and tied to a bed in a sanitorium. He faces imminent danger constantly and can confide in only one friend, a young boy with cerebral palsy who shares the bed next to him. Will his family be able to rescue Dodo, or will he spend his final days in the hands of men with evil aims? Meanwhile, as Chona wastes away i…

Part 1 can be found here. We are back with part 2 of this look at the novelist Sarah Gainham. I continue to be joined in the discussion with writer Jeremy Duns. The episode begins with a recounting of a passage from ‘The Stone Roses,’ one of Gainham’s novels. We then discuss several of Gainham’s works, including ‘Time Right Deadly,’ ‘The Cold Dark …