A Podcast of One's Own with Julia Gillard: Episode Summary - "Julia Looks Back on 2024"

Release Date: December 25, 2024

In the season finale of "A Podcast of One's Own with Julia Gillard," host Cathy Lett engages in a heartfelt and intellectually stimulating conversation with special guest Josephine Linden. The episode serves as a reflective overview of the year 2024, focusing primarily on their shared passion for literature, book recommendations, and the dynamics of their newly expanded book club. Below is a detailed summary capturing the essence of their discussions, enriched with notable quotes and insights.

1. Episode Introduction and Guest Welcome

Cathy Lett opens the episode by expressing gratitude towards her co-hosts and listeners for an eventful year marked by diverse guest appearances from various fields such as sports, politics, and advocacy. She highlights the successful introduction of their book club and warmly welcomes Josephine Linden, a distinguished leader in financial services based in New York City, who also champions the support of young Australian women abroad.

Notable Quote:

Cathy Lett [00:58]: "I've loved delving into some fantastic books with my fabulous co-hosts Cathy Lett and Sarah Holland Batt..."

2. Current Reads and Personal Recommendations

The conversation begins with Josephine sharing her latest literary adventures. Emphasizing escapism during the holiday season, she recommends mystery novels by Joel Dicker, notably "The Enigma of Room 222," a gripping hotel-based murder mystery. Additionally, Josephine introduces "The Affair of Harry Cubert," further cementing her preference for engaging page-turners.

Notable Quotes:

Josephine Linden [03:27]: "There's nothing better than sitting with a real book and being able to crack the spine of a new book."

Cathy Lett [04:13]: "I've read that one, the Affair of Harry Cubert, but I haven't read the one you've just referred to."

3. Highlighting Robert Harris's "Precipice"

Cathy transitions to discussing Robert Harris's historical fiction, "Precipice," praising its rich narrative centered around Prime Minister Henry Asquith and his clandestine relationship with Venetia Stanley. The book's use of real historical letters adds depth to the portrayal of obsession and the handling of secret information during tumultuous times.

Notable Quote:

Cathy Lett [04:13]: "The letters that Robert Harris uses... really tell a story of obsession and quite cavalier attitudes to secret information."

4. Josephine's Appreciation for Historical Fiction

Josephine echoes admiration for Robert Harris's work, highlighting his ability to intertwine historical facts with compelling storytelling. She emphasizes that successful historical fiction not only entertains but also educates the reader, fostering a deeper understanding of past events.

Notable Quote:

Josephine Linden [05:39]: "If you can't learn something from a book, then it's not worth reading it."

5. Exploring the Booker Prize Shortlist

The duo delves into the 2024 Booker Prize shortlist, celebrating its notable inclusivity with five out of six nominated books authored by women, including an Australian entry. They commend the quality and readability of the shortlisted works, contrasting them with previous years' selections. Josephine particularly lauds "Orbital" by Samantha Harvey for its profound exploration of human connection and isolation in space, praising its beautiful writing and thematic depth.

Notable Quotes:

Josephine Linden [11:17]: "Next year's judge is going to be Sarah Jessica Parker."

Cathy Lett [12:40]: "...five of the shortlisted books were written by women. So I said at the start, you out read me."

Josephine Linden [13:52]: "...'Orbital' was extraordinarily written and resonated deeply with themes of connection and the fragility of life."

6. Detailed Book Recommendations

The conversation shifts to specific book recommendations, with both hosts sharing their favorites from the year.

• "Creation Lake" by Rachel Kushner: A riveting murder mystery set in Macau during the onset of the Pacific War, blending historical facts with fiction to narrate the story of John Reeves, the only Allied representative in Japanese-occupied Asia.

  Notable Quote:

  Cathy Lett [15:57]: "A lot of the book is actually the letters of this guru who's really asking some deep questions, particularly the question about what does it mean to be human?"

• "Safekeep" by [Author Name]: A World War II-era tale exploring complex relationships and the secrets harbored within a symbolic house.

  Notable Quote:

  Josephine Linden [24:25]: "The atmospheric writing and the complexity of the characters were brilliant."

• "Held" by Anne Michaels: While acknowledging its poetic merit, both hosts express a lack of personal connection with the book's narrative style.

  Notable Quote:

  Cathy Lett [26:03]: "I think we're united in that," referring to their mutual ambivalence towards the book.

• "James" by Percival Everett: A fresh take on "Huckleberry Finn," offering a satirical and profound exploration of systemic oppression through the character James.

  Notable Quote:

  Josephine Linden [21:47]: "...he was challenging what was a literary stereotype of looking at historical representations of black characters in previous American literature."

7. Non-Fiction Highlights and Future Reads

Both hosts share their non-fiction picks, touching upon subjects ranging from scientific advancements to feminist perspectives in Australian history.

• Josephine's Picks:

  • "The Elements of Marie Curie" by Dava Sobel: An in-depth look at Marie Curie's life through the lens of chemical elements that defined her career.
  • "Mountain Shadow" by Gregory David Roberts: A sequel to "Shantaram," promising an adventurous narrative set in India.
  • "The Anarchy" by William Dalrymple: A historical exploration to accompany her upcoming trip to India.

• Cathy's Picks:

  • "Patriarchy Inc." by Cordelia Fine: A science-based examination of patriarchy and the understanding of masculinity and femininity.
  • "Disengaged: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better and Live Better" by Rebecca Winthrop: Targeted towards parents of teenagers.
  • Clare Wright's Latest Work: Discussing the impact of the BARC petitions on Australian democracy from a feminist viewpoint.

Notable Quote:

Cathy Lett [36:19]: "On the nonfiction side, I'm looking forward to all of the tell-alls which will inevitably emerge from the campaigns in the 2024 presidential election."

8. Upcoming Literary Excitements for 2025

Looking ahead, Josephine shares her anticipation for forthcoming novels, including:

• "Wild Dark Shore" by Charlotte McConaughey: Incorporating environmental research into compelling narratives.
• "Lola in the Mirror" by Trent Dalton: An Australian-centric story.
• "The Wide Wide Sea" by Hampden Sides: Detailing Captain Cook's discovery of Australia.
• "The Alaska Sanders Affair" by Joel Dicker: Another intriguing murder mystery.

Notable Quote:

Josephine Linden [41:05]: "I'm most looking forward to reading 'The Alaska Sanders Affair'... around another murder mystery and the mysterious death of a man called Alaska Sanders."

9. Concluding Reflections and Holiday Wishes

As the episode wraps up, both hosts reminisce about their love for physical books versus digital formats, sharing personal preferences and the tactile joy of reading. They express excitement for the future literary offerings and extend warm holiday greetings to listeners, eagerly anticipating the next season in 2025.

Notable Quote:

Cathy Lett [43:57]: "There is something about the feel and smell and the artifact of a book that is hard to replace."

10. Final Remarks

Julia Gillard concludes the episode by acknowledging the traditional custodians of Australia and emphasizing the podcast's commitment to advancing gender equality through the Global Institute for Women's Leadership. She credits the production team and invites listeners to stay connected via the institute's platforms.

Conclusion

The episode "Julia Looks Back on 2024" serves as a literary journey through the hosts' and guest's favorite reads, insightful critiques, and anticipations for the coming year. It encapsulates the essence of "A Podcast of One's Own" by fostering meaningful conversations that celebrate literature's role in shaping and reflecting societal values.