The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Episode: Late Show Book Club | 'What We Can Know' Author Ian McEwan
Date: November 15, 2025
Episode Overview
In this Late Show Book Club special, celebrated British novelist Ian McEwan joins Stephen Colbert to discuss his latest novel, What We Can Know. The episode centers on McEwan’s exploration of knowledge—what is knowable about the past, future, and each other—in a near-future setting. The conversation covers McEwan's writing process, the inspiration behind his new novel's pivotal lost poem, the role of art in turbulent times, and advice for aspiring writers.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Meaning Behind the Title: What We Can Know
- Discussion (01:45–03:04):
- What We Can Know reflects multiple layers: knowing the past, the future, and the people closest to us.
- McEwan describes the novel as "a dialogue with history, with futurology," exploring the future of love, history, universities, humanities, and art.
- The book blurs genres—"a science fiction novel without the science."
- Quote:
“It’s a dialogue with history, with futurology. The future of love, the future of history. In some senses it’s, I guess A science fiction novel without the science.”
—Ian McEwan (02:18)
2. Setting the Novel's Timeframe
- Discussion (03:04–04:12):
- Originally set 400 years in the future, McEwan revised the timeline to approximately a century ahead after feedback from a trusted reader.
- A near and tangible future setting allows for more relatable storytelling and language continuity.
- Quote:
“You know a good note the moment you hear it. It’s a matter of recognition.”
—Ian McEwan on receiving editorial feedback (03:54)
3. Research and World-Building Approach
- Discussion (04:12–04:45):
- McEwan formerly engaged heavily in research but now draws from his own experiences and memory.
- At 77, he prioritizes "going down those garden paths into my own mind and memories" over external research.
4. The Function of Art in a Burning World
- Discussion (04:45–06:21):
- McEwan asserts that literature’s power is less about warning of climate catastrophe (since “we’re in it now”) and more about providing pleasure and fostering understanding.
- The novel features a future writer who views the present with both envy and disdain.
- Quote:
“The function of art, one element of that is to render pleasure to us... another is to open a discussion... trying to understand where we are, what we are, who we are.”
—Ian McEwan (05:13) - Quote:
“We're in it. We don't need to be warned.”
—Ian McEwan, on climate fiction (04:59)
5. Inspiration Behind the Lost Poem
- Discussion (06:21–08:50):
- The missing poem at the heart of the novel was inspired by John Fuller’s "corona" (a complex 15-sonnet poetic form).
- McEwan details the rules of the corona and its Renaissance roots.
- Attempted to write portions of the fictional poem but was advised by his reader not to include them, as “you are not a poet.”
- The decision to omit excerpts maintains the mystique and places the reader in the same position as the characters.
- Quote:
“Do not quote from this poem. You are not a poet.”
—McEwan’s friend/early reader (08:28) - Memorable Anecdote:
Reading Fuller’s poem “bit hard into my thoughts and feelings,” inspiring the novel (08:07).
6. A Book for a Dystopian Future
- Discussion (08:50–10:35):
- If limited to one book in a dystopian scenario, McEwan chooses Ulysses by James Joyce for its poetic prose, structure, and innovation.
- Views Ulysses as a literary “Bible” and credits Joyce with changing the concept of the novel.
- Quote:
“The beautiful rhythm of the prose, the strange division of its sections, the wonderful soliloquy of Molly Bloom at the end of it, and the wit and warmth of the novel. I know quite a few fellow writers who treat it almost as a Bible.”
—Ian McEwan (09:15)
7. Evolution of the Writing Process
- Discussion (10:35–12:36):
- McEwan describes early struggles with self-doubt and painstaking editing.
- Over time, writing became more fluid, especially once two concept threads merge—here, the lost poem and the preservation of knowledge.
- Age and experience lead to greater creative command and faster drafts.
- Quote:
“So not everything gets worse as you get older.”
—Ian McEwan on writing with age (12:29)
8. Advice for Aspiring Writers
- Discussion (12:36–13:27):
- Champions “the luxury of solitude” as essential for creativity.
- Recommends setting aside three to five hours per day without screens or internet for personal introspection and writing.
- Quote:
“You must have at least three, preferably five hours a day where there is no screen, no outside world pressing in... open up your own mind to your own examination. It’s very, very fruitful.”
—Ian McEwan (12:56)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the novel’s scope:
“The future of love, the future of history... a science fiction novel without the science.”
—Ian McEwan (02:18) -
On critical notes:
“You know a good note the moment you hear it. It’s a matter of recognition.”
—Ian McEwan (03:54) -
On the value of pleasure in literature:
“Pleasure has to be a strong element in this.”
—Ian McEwan (06:13) -
On the advice not to write poetry:
“Do not quote from this poem. You are not a poet.”
—Anonymous friend/early reader (08:28) -
On the role of solitude in creativity:
“You cannot have solitude if you are online.”
—Ian McEwan (12:45)
Segment Timestamps
| Timestamp | Segment | |---------- |-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:39 | Introduction of Ian McEwan and the premise of What We Can Know | | 02:09 | Multiple meanings behind the book’s title | | 03:13 | Decision to set the story in a near (vs. far) future | | 04:19 | Approach to research for this novel | | 04:57 | The purpose of art in crisis times | | 06:37 | Inspiration for the lost poem | | 09:06 | Book McEwan would take into a dystopian future | | 10:43 | Reflections on 50 years of writing | | 12:42 | Advice for aspiring writers |
Summary
This episode offers a rich, intellectual yet deeply accessible insight into Ian McEwan’s latest work and creative philosophy. With wit, humility, and candor, McEwan reflects on the challenges of grasping knowledge, the intertwining of past, present, and future, and the enduring importance of art. His stories about the writing process, the inspiration for central motifs, and practical advice for writers make for a thoughtful and inspiring listen—perfect for novelists, readers, and anyone interested in the deeper questions literature can ask.