Bound by Books

Hannah’s been super busy with work but has still found time to celebrate her Wax wedding anniversary with a meal out and a bonsai tree gift. She’s also been getting stuck into some autumn cleaning to prepare for the months ahead.Nikki’s been equally busy with work projects and has managed a trip to the British Museum to see the Bayeux Tapestry. We discuss the pros and cons of the exhibition, share some insights and consider whether it’s worth a visit. If you’re planning to see it yourself, tune in before you go!Books We Discuss in this week’s episodeHannah Reads:Send Nudes – Saba SamsWe explore Saba Sams’s age when she wrote these stories, their honesty and the refreshing new wave of women’s voices in contemporary fiction. We discuss how female writers are challenging taboos, opening up conversations about the female body and presenting women’s experiences with unapologetic honesty. We also consider the short story as a literary form.Hannah picks out two standout stories: Blue4Eva, which explores family tensions and adolescence, and Bread, about a woman who turns to making the perfect sourdough loaf in the days following an abortion. These stories lead us into a wider conversation about female identity, bodily autonomy, agency and body confidence, and how a new generation of writers is pushing boundaries.The Artist – Lucy SteedHannah is still early in The Artist, but we discuss its similarities to Rachel Joyce’s The Homemade God. We also delve into the familiar trope of the tortured artist. When does an artist’s difficult personality feel convincing, and when does it become a cliché? We consider how authors can make these characters earn their reputation on the page rather than relying on a well-worn literary stereotype.Nikki Reads:The Mermaid of Black Conch – Monique RoffeyNikki loved Monique Roffey’s alternative take on the traditional Western mermaid myth, particularly the mermaid’s power and striking physical depiction. We discuss Roffey’s vivid use of the senses, the distinctive voice of the central character and the novel’s portrayal of violence and aggression between women.We also explore the Disney-fication of folklore and how familiar mythical creatures have been softened and reshaped for modern audiences. The Mermaid of Black Conch offers a very different, more visceral interpretation of mermaid folklore, challenging our expectations of these mythical beings.The Turn of the Screw – Henry JamesFollowing our recent buddy read of You Did Nothing Wrong, Nikki picked up this Gothic classic hoping to discover something new and haunting. Unfortunately, she struggled to connect with it, finding Henry James’s dense writing difficult to navigate and the language so elaborate that the story itself became obscured.We discuss the characters’ shortcomings, James’s portrayal of children and whether the novella successfully builds atmosphere, suspense and psychological tension. We also consider the challenges of reading classic literature when its writing style creates more distance than intrigue.In This EpisodeContemporary fiction and the changing voices of women writersSend Nudes by Saba Sams and the modern female experienceShort stories, female identity and breaking taboosThe Artist by Lucy Steed and the tortured artist tropeThe Mermaid of Black Conch by Monique Roffey and the reimagining of mermaid folkloreThe Turn of the Screw by Henry James: Gothic horror, unreliable perspectives and psychological suspenseThe Bayeux Tapestry at the British MuseumHonest book reviews, reading experiences and book club discussionJoin Hannah and Nikki for another episode of books, thoughtful literary chat and honest opinions on what they’re reading — from contemporary short stories to classic Gothic horror.

Welcome to the Bound By Books Book Apothecary – our fortnightly mini podcast where we invite you into our literary dispensary: a place of clinking bottles, mysterious tinctures and soothing salves, all in search of the perfect book prescription for life’s modern-day ailments. In this episode we are dispensing literary remedies for: ·      Friendship Drift·      A Rainy Day Mood·      Imposter Syndrome·      Needing to Find the Light at the End of the Tunnel·      Cupboard Disorganisation·      The Need for Old Fashioned Romance This week, our literary prescriptions take us on a journey through lives at a crossroads, unexpected connections and the extraordinary power of love and second chances. We meet a protagonist staring down the barrel of 40, with one last opportunity to discover whether a life that feels broken can ever be repaired, and another who arrives at Harvard already overwhelmed by life, only to find themselves further challenged by a Hungarian called Ivan.We explore a novel in which mathematics becomes a way of noticing, caring and bringing a fragile world briefly into harmony, alongside a Booker Prize-winning triumph that blends romance and literary detective fiction into an unforgettable love story. Elsewhere, we follow a woman searching for the courage to confront the dark corners of her past that she has spent a lifetime avoiding.Finally, we travel back to January 1946 in an epistolary historical novel told entirely through letters, telegrams and exchanges between its characters, revealing how lives and relationships unfold through the written word.So, step into the apothecary, take your seat and allow us to prescribe this week’s literary remedies.

Nikki has been soaking up the culture! She’s been to see My Neighbour Totoro at the theatre, which she absolutely loved, and Pressure at the cinema, starring Andrew Scott. Another highly recommended film!Meanwhile, Hannah is in full nesting mode as autumn approaches. After recovering from work deadlines, she’s looking forward to an exciting author interview next month, which means plenty of reading and research to get through!It’s spooky season, and this week we’re discussing our latest Buddy Read: You Did Nothing Wrong by CG Drews. As ever, spoilers lie ahead as we explore the plot, characters and that twist in detail.The Blurb“The walls are closing in on her perfect new life. Single mother Elodie’s life has become a fairy tale. She’s met Bren, equal parts golden-retriever, devoted and sinfully handsome. He’s whisked her and her autistic son, Jude, to the crumbling family house he’s renovating. She hasa new husband, a new house, and a new baby on the way. Everything is perfect.Then Judeclaims he can hear voices in the walls. He says their renovations are 'hurting'the house. Even Elodie can’t ignore it–something strange is going on. Thequestion is, is it with the house, or with her son? Then the one secret Elodiehas been hiding is revealed, and no one is safe anymore.A pulse-pounding, clever take on the haunted house novel, YOU DID NOTHINGWRONG examines the complexities of motherhood and the twisted bonds of family.”Our DiscussionHannah has some strong opinions about this book, while Nikki, who has more experience with the genre, went in hoping for a gripping haunted house novel. Neither of us was entirely convinced, but for quite different reasons!We explore the novel’s pacing, atmosphere and believability, asking whether the haunted house elements deliver genuine tension and whether the twists work as intended. We also dig into unreliable narration, close third-person perspective and whether Elodie feels like a fully realised character, particularly in her experience of motherhood and parenting a child with additional needs.We spend time discussing the portrayal of autism and the inclusion of Jude’s character, including Hannah’s professional perspective on how autism can affect family relationships and the often-taboo subject of parental resentment. We also consider how the novel handles trauma: do the characters’ experiences feel authentic, or does trauma sometimes become a label or a plot device?Other topics include coercion, control and abusive relationships; the contradictions between characters’ actions and principles; and the portrayal of young, passionate, lustful relationships.Finally, we turn to the ingredients of a successful haunted house novel. What makes a book genuinely scary? How do gore, implication, context and atmosphere work together? When does a twist enhance a story, and when does it undermine it? And does every novel really need a twist?Join us for a spoiler-filled discussion of You Did Nothing Wrong by CG Drews, exploring haunted house horror, character development, motherhood, autism, trauma and the art of a satisfying twist.Main discussion points:Character development and unreliable narrationTrauma, motherhood and family relationshipsAutism and its portrayal in fictionCoercion, control and abusive relationshipsWhat makes a genuinely scary haunted house novel?Pacing, reveals and the problem of too many twistsBelievability, plot twists and whether every story needs one

Welcome to the Bound By Books Book Apothecary -  our fortnightly mini podcast where we invite you into our literary dispensary, a place of clinking bottles, mysterious tinctures and soothing salves, all in search of the perfect book prescription for life’s modern-day ailments.In this episode, we’re dispensing literary remedies for:The Sunday ScariesPost-Holiday BluesIncessant Doom ScrollingEmail RageMidweek MalaiseBeing Left on ‘Read’Our prescriptions take us from the sun-drenched stillness of summer days spent with a grandmother and granddaughter on an island in the Finnish Gulf, to the unlikely companionship of a tea monk and a robot.We’ll prescribe a transportive murder mystery as an antidote to doom scrolling, turn to the lost art of analogue letter writing to soothe the particular frustrations of email rage and discover how a theatre built from whalebone might be just the thing to lift a midweek slump.Finally, we’ll explore a very particular kind of heartache - being left on ‘read’ - from the male perspective.So, step into the apothecary, take your seat, and let us prescribe this week’s literary remedies.

Hannah has been busy with the new term and her daughter starting secondary school. She’s also looking ahead to the Abergavenny Food Festival, where she’ll be chairing and interviewing at three events.Nikki has been to see the Midnight Matinee of As You Like It at the Globe Theatre. Cue an in-depth discussion about jigs! She’s also been to the Duxford Airshow and experienced the excitement of seeing a Spitfire in flight.Current ReadsHannahThe Wedding People – Alison EspachBlurb: Phoebe Stone arrives at a luxurious Rhode Island hotel dressed for a wedding - but she isn’t part of one. As the bride’s carefully planned celebration begins to unravel, Phoebe unexpectedly becomes entangled in the chaos. Hilarious, heartfelt and deeply human, The Wedding People explores love, friendship, family dysfunction and the surprising ways life can lead us towards happiness.This was a DNF for Hannah. We discuss the idea of finding the right book at the right time, and vice versa, and how that influences our experience and enjoyment of stories. How do we successfully order and curate our TBR piles?Our Noble Selves – Kate AtkinsonBlurb: Summer, 1951. As Britain seeks to move beyond the war, Harry Flynn joins the eccentric team preparing for the Festival of Britain, hoping to rebuild his career and find redemption. But when a woman he dates disappears, Flynn becomes the last person to see her alive. With suspicion mounting, an outspoken thirteen-year-old and a scruffy terrier may hold the answers.We discuss turn of phrase and the language of post-war Britain, and Kate Atkinson’s talent for recreating time and place through dialogue. We also talk about how comedy can work alongside deeper and darker themes, and the power that creates. We look at the relevance of national identity, both currently and back in 1951.NikkiBig Magic: How to Live a Creative and Let Go of Your Fear – Elizabeth GilbertElizabeth Gilbert explores the mysteries of creativity, revealing how anyone can unlock their imagination and pursue what inspires them. Drawing on her own experiences and those of people around her, she encourages readers to embrace curiosity, overcome fear and follow their passions. Whether writing, making art, tackling challenges or pursuing a dream, Big Magic offers inspiration, wonder and unexpected joy.A revisit for Nikki, who, interestingly, had a completely different response this time around from when she first read it. We discuss the tone of the book and its length, as well as the ideas of authenticity and privilege. We talk about the act of creativity: who it is for, the intention behind it and the process of editing.My Sister, The Serial Killer – Oyinkan BraithwaiteBlurb: When Korede’s sister Ayoola calls in distress, Korede knows exactly what to do: clean up another dead boyfriend. Ayoola insists it was self-defence, and family loyalty keeps Korede silent. But when Ayoola begins dating the doctor Korede secretly loves, everything changes. Faced with protecting her sister or the man she loves, Korede must decide how far loyalty can go.Nikki considers the believability of the characters and the exploration of relationships, as well as the themes of complicity and jealousy. A fantastic premise… but did the execution meet expectations? How does a writer handle very dark themes such as murder?Upcoming Buddy Read: You Did Nothing Wrong - CG Drews