Julia looks back on 2024
A Podcast of One's Own with Julia Gillard
Deep Dive
What were some of the top books discussed by Julia and Josephine in the final episode of 2024?
Julia and Josephine discussed several top books, including 'The Enigma of Room 662' and 'The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair' by Joel Dicker, 'The Precipice' by Robert Harris, 'The Good War of Consul Reeves' by Peter Rose, 'A Memoir of My Former Self' by Hilary Mantel, and the 'Old Filth Trilogy' by Jane Gardam. They also highlighted the Booker Prize shortlist, which included five books by women out of six.
Why did Josephine enjoy 'The Good War of Consul Reeves' by Peter Rose?
Josephine enjoyed 'The Good War of Consul Reeves' because it was a historical fiction based on real events during World War II. The book tells the story of John Reeves, a British consul in Macau, who became the only Allied representative in Japanese-occupied Asia. She appreciated the extensive research and the unique perspective on a lesser-known aspect of the war.
What was unique about the 2024 Booker Prize shortlist?
The 2024 Booker Prize shortlist was unique because five out of the six shortlisted books were written by women. This was a significant shift from previous years and highlighted the growing recognition of female authors in literary awards.
What did Julia and Josephine think of 'Orbital' by Samantha Harvey, the Booker Prize winner?
Julia and Josephine both praised 'Orbital' for its beautiful writing and profound themes. The book follows six international astronauts aboard a space station, exploring themes of human connection, isolation, and the fragility of life. They appreciated its relevance to current global anxieties and its ability to capture the zeitgeist.
Why did Josephine not include 'The Wren, The Wren' on her top books list?
Josephine did not include 'The Wren, The Wren' on her top books list because she generally finds Irish literature challenging and depressing. She feels that Irish works often romanticize suffering and focus on economic ruin and personal crises, which she finds emotionally taxing.
What nonfiction book by Nate Silver did Josephine recommend, and why?
Josephine recommended 'On the Edge: The Art of Risking Everything' by Nate Silver. She appreciated its insightful analysis of risk-taking across various domains, including gambling, technology, and ethics. The book uses real-life examples to illustrate how risk can lead to both successes and failures, making complex concepts accessible and engaging.
What are Julia and Josephine looking forward to reading in 2025?
Julia is looking forward to reading 'Patriarchy, Inc.' by Cordelia Fine and 'The Disengaged Teen' by Rebecca Winthrop. Josephine is excited about 'The Elements of Marie Curie' by Dave Asobel and 'Wild Dark Shore' by Charlotte McConaughey. Both are also anticipating tell-all books from the 2024 US presidential campaigns.
What was Josephine's opinion on 'The Fraud' by Zadie Smith?
Josephine found 'The Fraud' by Zadie Smith to be too ambiguous and unfocused. While she appreciated the nuanced storytelling, she felt the narrative lost focus at times and struggled to connect the protagonist's personal journey with the overarching themes of fraud and authenticity.
- Preference for physical books
- Discussion of reading habits
- Introduction of 2024's top reads
- Josephine's book selection process
Shownotes Transcript