Rosemary Hill

Tom Crewe, an Orwell Prize-winning novelist known for his work set in late 19th century London, joins Rosemary Hill, a contributing editor and author of notable historical books. Together, they dissect Dickens’ final novel, discussing its complex narrative and vibrant portrayal of mid-Victorian society. They explore key characters like Lizzie Hexham and Bella Wilfer, highlighting the novel’s critique of societal expectations and moral dilemmas. The conversation reveals how Dickens captures the shifting dynamics of identity and complacency in a changing urban landscape.

Tom Crewe, Patricia Lockwood, Deborah Friedell, John Lanchester, and Rosemary Hill discuss their favorite pieces from the LRB archive, including Terry Castle's analysis of Jane Austen's letters and Alan Bennett's nuanced portrayal of Philip Larkin. Topics covered include controversial literature, bestiality in poetry, and mistaken identity at a party.

Rosemary Hill, Contributing Editor at the London Review of Books and biographer, discusses Carla Kaplan’s portrait of Jessica Mitford — an aristocratic-born American communist. Short, vivid stories cover Mitford’s runaway impulse and Spain, her move to the US and civil-rights work, fraught family ties and betrayals, FBI scrutiny and McCarthyism, and her reinvention as an investigative writer.

Anjana Katwa, an earth scientist and author, shares how rocks whisper tales from deep time, while Rosemary Hill delves into the cultural significance of Stonehenge's stones. Peter Frankopan explores how geology influences history and geopolitics, shedding light on resource-driven conflicts. Philosopher Graham Harman discusses stones' roles in object-oriented ontology, suggesting they have agency. Poet Sarah Jackson reflects on the poetic connection to rocks, emphasizing the need for broader geological language to address environmental justice and the hidden stories in our landscape.

Colin Burrow, a literary scholar, and Rosemary Hill, an expert in history and literature, discuss Thackeray's 'Vanity Fair' and its sharp critique of Regency England. They explore Thackeray's personal struggles that shaped his narrative style. The podcast delves into the significance of clothing, class dynamics, and how characters like Becky Sharp navigate a turbulent society. The influence of the Battle of Waterloo is examined, shedding light on the changing social landscape and Thackeray's keen observations of moral complexities and ambition.