Episode Overview

In this episode, TS analyzes Sally Rooney's "Beautiful World, Where Are You." This contemporary literary novel follows four characters approaching thirty—Alice, Felix, Eileen, and Simon—as they navigate relationships, personal crises, and existential questions about finding meaning and beauty in a troubled world.

Key Topics Covered

• The novel's unique structure alternating between narrative and philosophical emails


• Character analysis of Alice (a famous novelist) and her struggles with success


• Eileen and Simon's long-standing, complicated relationship


• The authentically Irish setting and its impact on the story


• The book's title origin from Friedrich Schiller's poem


• Craft discussion: missed opportunities for stronger narrative structure and character development


• How the novel could have used time as a narrative device for greater tension

Drink Pairing

The Dublin Philosopher - An Irish whiskey cocktail featuring Jameson, fresh lemon juice, honey syrup, and ginger beer, garnished with rosemary. The honey represents friendship, the lemon brings intellectual sharpness, while the rosemary evokes the Irish countryside.

Non-alcoholic alternative: Cold-brewed Irish breakfast tea with lemon, honey, and ginger beer.

Join Our Community!

Be part of our reading community! Join our Facebook group

Next Up

Coming soon: "Demon Copperhead" by Barbara Kingsolver