For those who love words.....
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“Anna Russell, satirist of classical music, once made a telling distinction between art and artistry (completely unfairly, and to the detriment of singers of German lied, I'm afraid, but still, she was onto something). As for myself, I'd like to adopt a somewhat similar distinction, and say, entirely benignly this time I hope, that I love both books, as well the "artistry" of literature, that is, the ambiance and world of ideas associated with literature and writers.
Of all the literary reviews available on radio and online (and there are many quite respectable ones), no one does quite so well as Ms. Wochtel in offering thoughtful, entertaining exchanges of ideas that do not limit themselves to the book(s) at hand, but also to the "other stuff" that makes books interesting in the first place (Ms. Russell's "artistry", I guess, but the good part of it). Part of the trick is Ms. Wochtel's ability to be sensitive to and distinguish between what background material is useful and insightful and what isn't. This would surely not be possible without the host's real understanding of and unfeigned interest in her subject material, as well as her long experience at this type of program, which together make her a real partner in the discussion, rather than just a prop or an excuse for advertising new books. Finally, she's able to do the balancing act of being sympathetic to her interviewees, while still maintaining enough of a stance of objectivity to be able challenge them when appropriate (gently, but unmistakably, and without generating an overly defensive reation - quite a trick, really, considering some of the big names she's up against...).
This is the very best of CBC radio, and among the best of arts reporting in any medium, anywhere. I only hope that Ms. Wochtel is able to continue her program for a long time to come.”Read full review »
from the greenstone via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
03/24/11
More reviews of Bookends with Mattea Roach
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“talented interviewer, always interesting interviews, and sometimes Eleanor dives deep and finds treasure, revealing suprising motives and connections between author and art. She is a CBC treasure!”
Cobalt&Co via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
03/09/18
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“Simply the best of the best. Thank you for your years devoted to bringing literary discourse into our lives with singular intelligence, warmth, and sensitivity. Mon chapeau!”
Dame ichie via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
07/03/23
“I've been listening to Eleanor Wachtel interview writers for over 20 years since - i was a wee university student. Because of her, I have more books than i will have time in my life to read. And i'm mostly okay with that. She is incredibly engaged, thorough, and warm. She connects...”Read full review »
tumbleweed18 via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
04/14/07
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