Is now available here! Please do let Simon and I know your thoughts on this episode’s discussion points – long vs short books and the bildungsroman, with particular focus on The Catcher in the Rye and The Go-Between. We do ramble somewhat, in our completely unplanned and spontaneous way…but hopefully you’ll find we wander down some interesting literary paths…enjoy!
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I particularly enjoyed the discussion on the merits of The Catcher in the Rye v The Go Between, especially your comments about the difference between the American and English perspective. I recently read Elaine Dundy’s The Dud Avocado, which I didn’t like, but thought that would make an interesting ‘coming of age’ comparison with Salinger’s book. I was going to re-read Catcher in the Rye, but I’m scared I may no longer love it the way I did when I was 18!
Glad you enjoyed it, Catherine! I keep meaning to read The Dud Avocado…I will check it out, as I think it would be interesting to have a female perspective on the experience of coming of age. I found re-reading The Catcher in the Rye a wonderful experience – you should do it!
Loved listening to this. Yes – please do I Capture the Castle! What about Cassandra Mortmain vs. Elizabeth Bennet?! Looking forward to the next one 🙂
That’s a good idea, Lucy – thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!
Loved this, have shared it with several people and can’t wait until the next. Rachel, I had to get used to the accent all over again. I need to come to England soon. Talk soon.
Thanks Ellen! 🙂 Ha – I didn’t realise how British I sounded until I listened to myself! Having you in England would be glorious…
Well I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to see you mention bildungsroman. That’s not a term I’m familiar with so I cursed you from my kitchen table while enjoying avocado toast. How do you look up a word when you don’t know how to spell it?
I read The Catcher in the Rye in high school – not my cup of tea, but I really enjoyed The Go-Between! Your point about English novels looking back and American novels looking ahead was brilliant…and, for the most part, quite true.
So loving the podcast, Rachel! The moments of informal banter make me smile so please don’t ever polish things up too much.
I love the bildungsroman! I bandy that about all the time because it makes me feel far cleverer than I actually am! 🙂 I’m so glad you’re enjoying it Darlene – thanks for all of your support!