Close Reads

David, Sarah-Jane, and Matt are back and diving into the meaty middle part of the book. They discuss the reliability of the narrators, psycho-analysis as a theme in the book, whether Prescott treated Jules Griscam justly, and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join David, Sarah-Jane, and Matt as they continue their discussion of The Rector of Justin. It's a long episode, so get ready for a deep dive into some of the themes that make this book what it is, with a little bit of friendly disagreement thrown in. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We're back, chatting about chapters 6-9 of Louis Auchincloss' The Rector of Justin. Conversation explores the connections between Frank Prescott and Hamlet, his quixotic nature, the book's female characters, and much, much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After a one-week hiatus due to some scheduling issues, we are back! In this episode David is joined by Matt and a new contributor to the network, Sarah-Jane Bentley, who teaches at Eton College in England. They chat about the unique structure of the book, the myriad of intertextual references (and whether they matter), the similarities between the various narrators, and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Unfortunately we had a scheduling snafu with recording for this week, so we are sharing a bonus episode that we sent to our Patrons a few months back. It's a conversation between David, Tim, and Heidi about Hemingway's famous story, "A Clean Well-lighted Place." Conversation touched on the difficulty with Hemingway and his particular craftsmanship in this short story. Thanks for your patience! The regular show will be back soon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's time for listener questions! In this episode, David, Tim, and Heidi answer your questions about topics like why Athena is gray-eyed, other great translations, whether Odysseus broke the hospitality code when visiting the cyclops, what first-time readers should glean from this epic poem, and much, much more. Remember: when you rate and review the show you help us spread the word! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join David, Tim, and Heidi as they arrive at the end of the Odyssey. Conversation touches on Telemachus' evolution, the way the various themes come together, the stories behind stories, modes of reading, and much more. Don't forget to send in your questions for next episode! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's time to discuss the battle and the bloodshed. In this episode, David, Heidi, and Tim chat about whether Odysseus is after justice or revenge (and all the ramifications of that question) . . . and much more, of course. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

And we're back with more conversation about Homer's famous epic poem. This week, David, Heidi, and Tim discuss Penelope's evolving character, the way the poet is comparing Odysseus and Penelope in the text, the building tension, and much more. Remember: if you like this show you can help spread the word by rating and reviewing it. And don't forget you can support the show and get some great show swag on Patron: Patreon.com/closereads. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The saga continues. On this week's episode, David, Heidi, and a very special guest discuss books XVII and XVIII of the Odyssey. Conversation touches on the patience of Odysseus and Telemachus, Athena's role in the story, whether the suitors are worthy adversaries, and Penelope's beauty. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

And we're back with more discussion of Homer's Odyssey! David, Heidi, and Tim explore the fascinating character of Eumaeus the swineherd; Poseidon, the anti-xenia god; the Western-y nature of the second of half of the poem; and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they continue their journey with Odysseus. In this episode they discuss books XI and XII, focusing on Odysseus' virtues, the allegorical aspects of the poem, the popularity of the story of the sirens, and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's time for books IX and X of Homer's Odyssey! Join David, Heidi, and Tim for a discussion about the cyclopes, Circe, and the degree to which Odysseus is truly virtuous. And, remember, it helps the show out a whole lot when you leave reviews on whatever app you use to listen to podcasts. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

David, Heidi, and Tim are back with more conversation about The Odyssey. They discuss the question of Odysseus' faithfulness, they compare Nausikaa and Calypso, and they discuss the role of this section in the grand scheme of the poem. Remember: if you like this series on the Odyssey we could use your help. Rate and review the show to spread the word! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join David, Heidi, and Tim for more conversation about Homer's classic epic poem. in this episode they chat about the role of the gods in the story, the complicated nature of ancient Greek paganism, whether the characters in the book have "faith," and much, much more. Remember: if you love this show, please subscribe, rate, and review it. It goes a long way . See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's time for a new book! Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dive into Homer's Odyssey, books one and two. Discussion touches on the purpose of these early books, Telemachus' journey, the relationship between the gods and humans, Penelope's wisdom, and much more. Remember: if you like this show it really goes a long way when you leave starred or written reviews wherever you listen to your podcasts. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join David, Heidi, and Karen Swallow Prior as they answer your questions about Jane Austen's novel. And if you like this episode be sure to leave a review. Those 5-star reviews go a long way. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join David, Heidi, and special guest Karen Swallow Prior as they discuss the final chapters of Sense and Sensibility. Conversation touches on whether Edward deserved Elinor, Marianne's evolution, Elinor's most of catharsis, and the reversal of the book's beginning. Remember: subscribe, rate, review! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join David, Heidi, and special guest Karen Swallow Prior for a conversation about Marianne's growth, Willougby's villainy, Edward's issues, and the balance of satire and pathos in a book like this. Remember: subscribe, rate, review! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join David, Heidi, and very special guest, Karen Swallow Prior, as they chat about volume 2 of Jane Austen's classic novel. Conversation focuses on which character most bears the essence of the novel, whether there are any ideal types in the book, and the characterization that makes Austen so important (and amazing). Remember: Subscribe, rate, review! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.