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Sophie Gee and Jonty Claypole
Secret Life of Books
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 behind the story: who made it, their clandestine motives, the undeclared stakes, the scandalous backstory and above all the secret, mysterious meanings of books we...
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Ratings & Reviews
4.9 stars from 32 ratings
Charming, Delightful & Incisive
Each episode offers an absorbing delve into the classics from a wide range of writers and genres. A great bit of escapism which allows context to shine a line on a deeper understanding of each book. Jonty & Sophie are the kind of presenters you’d like to sit around a dinner table with. Thank...Read full review »
Cape Town Brit via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 11/03/24
Entertaining listen
Great rapport between Sophie & Jonty gives an entertaining insight into many of our favourite books. The book club you wish you were a part of.
Jarocin007 via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 10/15/24
This is a very entertaining podcast with banter between the hosts who bring complementary skills. The depth of knowledge is real, you’ll find yourself learning much about the stories behind the books that enhances your enjoyment. Thoroughly recommended!
Vegemite🐷 via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 10/14/24
Recent Episodes
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Published 12/03/24
Published 12/03/24
The Odyssey - where stories began. Probably written down around 7th century BC - give or take a few centuries either way - by somebody or somebodies who may or may not have been called Homer. Leaving aside these mysteries, what is the Odyssey really about, why is it so violent and why is Odysseus...
Published 11/26/24
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