The TLS Podcast Books of the Year
Nov 20, 2025
C.D. Rose, a celebrated novelist and Goldsmiths Prize winner for 'We Live Here Now', dives into the themes of absence and artistic value. He discusses the novel's unique episodic structure and the challenges of finding the right form. The conversation also explores the complexities of gallery culture, the unseen labor in art's supply chain, and the contrasting perceptions of artistic versus monetary value. Rose emphasizes the importance of playfulness in creativity and shares his insights on blending genres, showcasing how narratives can be expanded in contemporary literature.
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Letter Craft Restores Tangible Correspondence
- Letter Locking drew attention as a book that reconnects readers with historic material practices like folding and sealing letters.
- The hosts framed it as both a craft book and a charming gift idea, reinstating tangible letter-writing rituals.
Toothpull Of St Dunstan Spotlight
- Paul Griffiths highlighted Kevin Davies' Toothpull of St Dunstan, a small-press novel blending Chaucerian voice and dentistry themes.
- The hosts noted the TLS ran an earlier short piece and praised the publisher ARG! for its daring name and small-run publication.
History, Law And Personal Memory Intersect
- Philippe Sands's 38 Longer Street was recommended repeatedly for its gripping account of historical atrocity and international law.
- The book connects personal and legal history, enriching readers' understanding of accountability across borders.