Lot's to ponder on this one, Kate - especially the idea that a letter can only be truly known by the sender and the intended recipient - it's such an intimate form of writing because it's meant only for that person, who can only have the "intended" reaction (though that might not be known ahead of time.)
Oh yes, it makes me think that there is a (very slight) variation in language or a personal language within every human relationship. Hmm. Thanks Troy!
Oh this looks great, Brian, thanks! You always have good recs. I’ve saved it to read when I can concentrate on it this weekend. I’ve also saved your latest!
I have a real specific and fond memory of watching Atonement for the first time. I'd only just met Jo and she had had to go away on a theatre tour for several months and she'd given me the keys to her place and I was relaxing on the sofa and she messaged to suggest that I watched Atonement that she had on DVD. So I did. I was glued to the screen and it was such an emotional watch. Amazing film. Haven't read the book (argh). Loved listening to this and your thoughts, Kate.
I also love the film! It changes the metrication a lot. Maybe in some ways better? Not sure. Just a new text due to the sort of mock interview at the end vs the protagonist turning into the writer. Quite a tragic tale. Have you read the Go Between? My students are calling it blatant plagiarism but I think it’s a creative and postmodern adaptation.
i enjoyed reading this. . It triggered a few cherished memories. I used to love getting letters from my family and friends when I was in college in the Midwest and very far away from my loved ones in the Southern Hemisphere. Long distance phone calls were very expensive so written correspondence was the only way to keep in touch. Receiving letters comforted me. And writing back did too. I had to sit and process thoughts and feelings as my pen turned words into the building blocks of a new structure: the architecture of a message. And every one was different and perfectly matched to its recipient.
That’s lovely, DC. I also used to share many letters with my mother in this way and some friends. Then emails. Somehow things keep getting busier and I don’t make enough time for it anymore. Thanks for sharing your experience and for listening!
I love Ian McEwan's books and I haven't yet read "Atonement" so this was really interesting for me. I once met him at a book signing in Hatchards, Piccadilly. I was so star struck I just smiled and said "Hi" and "thanks" when he gave me my signed book. My husband thought it was hilarious, but I think IM was rather glad I didn't keep him talking as I was near the end of a huge queue of people and he was probably tired 😆
Lot's to ponder on this one, Kate - especially the idea that a letter can only be truly known by the sender and the intended recipient - it's such an intimate form of writing because it's meant only for that person, who can only have the "intended" reaction (though that might not be known ahead of time.)
Oh yes, it makes me think that there is a (very slight) variation in language or a personal language within every human relationship. Hmm. Thanks Troy!
Hey KCW, came across an interesting piece in Harper’s this month, you might find it worth reading. Great job on the episode! Really enjoying them!
https://harpers.org/archive/2025/01/voices-from-the-dead-letter-office-cynthia-ozick-epistolary-life/
Oh this looks great, Brian, thanks! You always have good recs. I’ve saved it to read when I can concentrate on it this weekend. I’ve also saved your latest!
Thanks a lot. Happy you’ve enjoyed the series :)
I have a real specific and fond memory of watching Atonement for the first time. I'd only just met Jo and she had had to go away on a theatre tour for several months and she'd given me the keys to her place and I was relaxing on the sofa and she messaged to suggest that I watched Atonement that she had on DVD. So I did. I was glued to the screen and it was such an emotional watch. Amazing film. Haven't read the book (argh). Loved listening to this and your thoughts, Kate.
I also love the film! It changes the metrication a lot. Maybe in some ways better? Not sure. Just a new text due to the sort of mock interview at the end vs the protagonist turning into the writer. Quite a tragic tale. Have you read the Go Between? My students are calling it blatant plagiarism but I think it’s a creative and postmodern adaptation.
No, hadn't even heard of it! Will have to look it up.
Also metrication?? That’s metafiction! My phone 🙄
I was actually about to google it haha. Makes more sense now. ;)
i enjoyed reading this. . It triggered a few cherished memories. I used to love getting letters from my family and friends when I was in college in the Midwest and very far away from my loved ones in the Southern Hemisphere. Long distance phone calls were very expensive so written correspondence was the only way to keep in touch. Receiving letters comforted me. And writing back did too. I had to sit and process thoughts and feelings as my pen turned words into the building blocks of a new structure: the architecture of a message. And every one was different and perfectly matched to its recipient.
That’s lovely, DC. I also used to share many letters with my mother in this way and some friends. Then emails. Somehow things keep getting busier and I don’t make enough time for it anymore. Thanks for sharing your experience and for listening!
I love Ian McEwan's books and I haven't yet read "Atonement" so this was really interesting for me. I once met him at a book signing in Hatchards, Piccadilly. I was so star struck I just smiled and said "Hi" and "thanks" when he gave me my signed book. My husband thought it was hilarious, but I think IM was rather glad I didn't keep him talking as I was near the end of a huge queue of people and he was probably tired 😆
Thanks Kate. A smashing listen as always x
Thanks so much, Jules!
What a great encounter story. :) I don't go to enough book signings. I think it's great to experience the writer in the flesh!