Secret Life of Books Podcast
@slobpodcast.bsky.social
Every book has two stories.
The one it tells, and the one it hides.
Welcome to a classic books podcast with Sophie Gee and Jonty Claypole MBE.
The one it tells, and the one it hides.
Welcome to a classic books podcast with Sophie Gee and Jonty Claypole MBE.
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Spotify – Web Player
open.spotify.com
Your favorite novelists, favorite novelist 🌹
This week we sat down with Colm Toibin to chat all things Henry James! Colm has written many beloved novels, for which he has won many prestigious prizes, including 'The Master', a fictional recreation of Henry James. open.spotify.com/episode/555t...
This week we sat down with Colm Toibin to chat all things Henry James! Colm has written many beloved novels, for which he has won many prestigious prizes, including 'The Master', a fictional recreation of Henry James. open.spotify.com/episode/555t...
What actually is a windhover? 🦅
This week we continue our subscriber-exclusive series on the sonnet with Gerard Manley Hopkins' #TheWindhover.
🔗👆 apple.co/slob #BookSky
This week we continue our subscriber-exclusive series on the sonnet with Gerard Manley Hopkins' #TheWindhover.
🔗👆 apple.co/slob #BookSky
November 29, 2025 at 9:03 AM
What actually is a windhover? 🦅
This week we continue our subscriber-exclusive series on the sonnet with Gerard Manley Hopkins' #TheWindhover.
🔗👆 apple.co/slob #BookSky
This week we continue our subscriber-exclusive series on the sonnet with Gerard Manley Hopkins' #TheWindhover.
🔗👆 apple.co/slob #BookSky
What is #SprungRhythm?
Apart from being classically difficult to explain, sprung rhythm uses meter to closely resemble the human voice. This week we delve into the pioneer of sprung rhythm, #GerardManleyHopkins, in our latest subscriber-exclusive series on the sonnet! 🔗 apple.co/slob
Apart from being classically difficult to explain, sprung rhythm uses meter to closely resemble the human voice. This week we delve into the pioneer of sprung rhythm, #GerardManleyHopkins, in our latest subscriber-exclusive series on the sonnet! 🔗 apple.co/slob
November 29, 2025 at 5:19 AM
What is #SprungRhythm?
Apart from being classically difficult to explain, sprung rhythm uses meter to closely resemble the human voice. This week we delve into the pioneer of sprung rhythm, #GerardManleyHopkins, in our latest subscriber-exclusive series on the sonnet! 🔗 apple.co/slob
Apart from being classically difficult to explain, sprung rhythm uses meter to closely resemble the human voice. This week we delve into the pioneer of sprung rhythm, #GerardManleyHopkins, in our latest subscriber-exclusive series on the sonnet! 🔗 apple.co/slob
We’re back with a subscriber-exclusive series on the #sonnet – this week, the #Windhover by #GerardManleyHopkins.
🎧 Want to hear more? Stay tuned for this subscriber-exclusive episode, out today! Not a subscriber yet? we'd love for you to join the club 💛 apple.co/slob
#SecretLifeOfBooks
🎧 Want to hear more? Stay tuned for this subscriber-exclusive episode, out today! Not a subscriber yet? we'd love for you to join the club 💛 apple.co/slob
#SecretLifeOfBooks
November 28, 2025 at 9:00 AM
We’re back with a subscriber-exclusive series on the #sonnet – this week, the #Windhover by #GerardManleyHopkins.
🎧 Want to hear more? Stay tuned for this subscriber-exclusive episode, out today! Not a subscriber yet? we'd love for you to join the club 💛 apple.co/slob
#SecretLifeOfBooks
🎧 Want to hear more? Stay tuned for this subscriber-exclusive episode, out today! Not a subscriber yet? we'd love for you to join the club 💛 apple.co/slob
#SecretLifeOfBooks
Your favorite novelists, favorite novelist 🌹
This week we sat down with Colm Toibin to chat all things Henry James! Colm has written many beloved novels, for which he has won many prestigious prizes, including 'The Master', a fictional recreation of Henry James. open.spotify.com/episode/555t...
This week we sat down with Colm Toibin to chat all things Henry James! Colm has written many beloved novels, for which he has won many prestigious prizes, including 'The Master', a fictional recreation of Henry James. open.spotify.com/episode/555t...
Spotify – Web Player
open.spotify.com
November 27, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Your favorite novelists, favorite novelist 🌹
This week we sat down with Colm Toibin to chat all things Henry James! Colm has written many beloved novels, for which he has won many prestigious prizes, including 'The Master', a fictional recreation of Henry James. open.spotify.com/episode/555t...
This week we sat down with Colm Toibin to chat all things Henry James! Colm has written many beloved novels, for which he has won many prestigious prizes, including 'The Master', a fictional recreation of Henry James. open.spotify.com/episode/555t...
📚 “that a book does not have to mirror your own experience, that words blowing on the wind, and that anything can come from any century and suddenly take you over imaginatively in a way that you didn't understand… that's what happened to me in that summer of 1974.” - #ColmToibin
#SecretLifeOfBooks
#SecretLifeOfBooks
November 27, 2025 at 7:47 AM
📚 “that a book does not have to mirror your own experience, that words blowing on the wind, and that anything can come from any century and suddenly take you over imaginatively in a way that you didn't understand… that's what happened to me in that summer of 1974.” - #ColmToibin
#SecretLifeOfBooks
#SecretLifeOfBooks
There’s something about #IsabelArcher, the beautiful, but intimidatingly clever American heiress in Henry James’ #PortraitOfLady. Both of her sisters have married, but Isabel yearns for a life of independence and travel. This week, we talk all things Henry James with Irish novelist #ColmToibin!
November 24, 2025 at 7:04 PM
There’s something about #IsabelArcher, the beautiful, but intimidatingly clever American heiress in Henry James’ #PortraitOfLady. Both of her sisters have married, but Isabel yearns for a life of independence and travel. This week, we talk all things Henry James with Irish novelist #ColmToibin!
#HenryJames redefined the novel 📚
SLoB is having a moment on Henry James, one of our favourite writers. Who better to chat with than Irish novelist #ColmToibin, who also happens to be a die-hard James fan. 🎧 Tune into this episode tomorrow, wherever you listen to podcasts! #SecretLifeOfBooks
SLoB is having a moment on Henry James, one of our favourite writers. Who better to chat with than Irish novelist #ColmToibin, who also happens to be a die-hard James fan. 🎧 Tune into this episode tomorrow, wherever you listen to podcasts! #SecretLifeOfBooks
November 24, 2025 at 9:01 AM
#HenryJames redefined the novel 📚
SLoB is having a moment on Henry James, one of our favourite writers. Who better to chat with than Irish novelist #ColmToibin, who also happens to be a die-hard James fan. 🎧 Tune into this episode tomorrow, wherever you listen to podcasts! #SecretLifeOfBooks
SLoB is having a moment on Henry James, one of our favourite writers. Who better to chat with than Irish novelist #ColmToibin, who also happens to be a die-hard James fan. 🎧 Tune into this episode tomorrow, wherever you listen to podcasts! #SecretLifeOfBooks
Many readers consider The Portrait of a Lady to be the greatest novel in English... But does it hold up? To find out, tune into the latest episode of the #SecretLifeOfBooks. Out now.
open.spotify.com/episode/3Zhv...
open.spotify.com/episode/3Zhv...
Henry James 1: The Portrait of a Lady
open.spotify.com
November 19, 2025 at 6:09 AM
Many readers consider The Portrait of a Lady to be the greatest novel in English... But does it hold up? To find out, tune into the latest episode of the #SecretLifeOfBooks. Out now.
open.spotify.com/episode/3Zhv...
open.spotify.com/episode/3Zhv...
#PortraitOfALady by #HenryJames is far more than a domestic thriller... It also marked a revolution in the portrayal of women in literature, creating a heroine who is psychologically complex, outspoken, and determined not to be pinned down by Victorian moral standards. #BookSky #SecretLifeOfBooks
November 18, 2025 at 9:00 AM
#PortraitOfALady by #HenryJames is far more than a domestic thriller... It also marked a revolution in the portrayal of women in literature, creating a heroine who is psychologically complex, outspoken, and determined not to be pinned down by Victorian moral standards. #BookSky #SecretLifeOfBooks
Is #ThePortraitOfALady overrated or underrated? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Henry James’s novel is considered one of the greatest great peaks of English literature. But does it hold up today? 🎧 Tune into this episode tomorrow, wherever you listen to podcasts! #SecretLifeOfBooks
Henry James’s novel is considered one of the greatest great peaks of English literature. But does it hold up today? 🎧 Tune into this episode tomorrow, wherever you listen to podcasts! #SecretLifeOfBooks
November 17, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Is #ThePortraitOfALady overrated or underrated? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Henry James’s novel is considered one of the greatest great peaks of English literature. But does it hold up today? 🎧 Tune into this episode tomorrow, wherever you listen to podcasts! #SecretLifeOfBooks
Henry James’s novel is considered one of the greatest great peaks of English literature. But does it hold up today? 🎧 Tune into this episode tomorrow, wherever you listen to podcasts! #SecretLifeOfBooks
Maybe Sophie should stick to the text this time…
We’re back with another subscriber-exclusive episode on the sonnet. And this one's a ripper! Tune in now, as Jonty and Sophie unpack Percy Bysshe Shelley’s “Ozymandias”.
🔗👆 podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/s...
#SecretLifeOfBooks #BookSky #sonnet
We’re back with another subscriber-exclusive episode on the sonnet. And this one's a ripper! Tune in now, as Jonty and Sophie unpack Percy Bysshe Shelley’s “Ozymandias”.
🔗👆 podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/s...
#SecretLifeOfBooks #BookSky #sonnet
November 15, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Maybe Sophie should stick to the text this time…
We’re back with another subscriber-exclusive episode on the sonnet. And this one's a ripper! Tune in now, as Jonty and Sophie unpack Percy Bysshe Shelley’s “Ozymandias”.
🔗👆 podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/s...
#SecretLifeOfBooks #BookSky #sonnet
We’re back with another subscriber-exclusive episode on the sonnet. And this one's a ripper! Tune in now, as Jonty and Sophie unpack Percy Bysshe Shelley’s “Ozymandias”.
🔗👆 podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/s...
#SecretLifeOfBooks #BookSky #sonnet
It's our first birthday! 🥳🥂🎉
Been here from the start? Or maybe you’ve just found us? Either way, we couldn't do this without you. Thank you to each and every one of you who've joined us on this journey through the classics. It's been a treat!
With love, #SecretLifeOfBooks 🧡
Been here from the start? Or maybe you’ve just found us? Either way, we couldn't do this without you. Thank you to each and every one of you who've joined us on this journey through the classics. It's been a treat!
With love, #SecretLifeOfBooks 🧡
November 13, 2025 at 9:00 AM
It's our first birthday! 🥳🥂🎉
Been here from the start? Or maybe you’ve just found us? Either way, we couldn't do this without you. Thank you to each and every one of you who've joined us on this journey through the classics. It's been a treat!
With love, #SecretLifeOfBooks 🧡
Been here from the start? Or maybe you’ve just found us? Either way, we couldn't do this without you. Thank you to each and every one of you who've joined us on this journey through the classics. It's been a treat!
With love, #SecretLifeOfBooks 🧡
#SecretLifeOfBooks is turning one! To celebrate, Sophie Gee and Jonty Claypole re-read one of their all time favorites, My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell.
open.spotify.com/episode/6ZSQ... #BookSky
open.spotify.com/episode/6ZSQ... #BookSky
Spotify – Web Player
open.spotify.com
November 12, 2025 at 11:42 PM
#SecretLifeOfBooks is turning one! To celebrate, Sophie Gee and Jonty Claypole re-read one of their all time favorites, My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell.
open.spotify.com/episode/6ZSQ... #BookSky
open.spotify.com/episode/6ZSQ... #BookSky
This week Sophie and Jonty unpack the beloved and brilliant #MyFamilyAndOtherAnimals by #GeraldDurrell. Tune in as we explore this hilarious chronicle of childhood all taking place on the Greek island of #Corfu.
🎧 Listen now, wherever you get your podcasts! #SecretLifeOfBooks #BookSky
🎧 Listen now, wherever you get your podcasts! #SecretLifeOfBooks #BookSky
November 12, 2025 at 10:01 AM
This week Sophie and Jonty unpack the beloved and brilliant #MyFamilyAndOtherAnimals by #GeraldDurrell. Tune in as we explore this hilarious chronicle of childhood all taking place on the Greek island of #Corfu.
🎧 Listen now, wherever you get your podcasts! #SecretLifeOfBooks #BookSky
🎧 Listen now, wherever you get your podcasts! #SecretLifeOfBooks #BookSky
This week Sophie and Jonty deep dive into a beloved classic from British naturalist Gerald Durrell, ‘#MyFamilyAndOtherAnimals’ – an idyllic, idealised, lightly fictionalised comedy, of a chaotic but enchanted childhood.
🎧 Listen now, wherever you get your podcasts! #SecretLifeOfBooks #classicbooks
🎧 Listen now, wherever you get your podcasts! #SecretLifeOfBooks #classicbooks
November 11, 2025 at 9:37 AM
This week Sophie and Jonty deep dive into a beloved classic from British naturalist Gerald Durrell, ‘#MyFamilyAndOtherAnimals’ – an idyllic, idealised, lightly fictionalised comedy, of a chaotic but enchanted childhood.
🎧 Listen now, wherever you get your podcasts! #SecretLifeOfBooks #classicbooks
🎧 Listen now, wherever you get your podcasts! #SecretLifeOfBooks #classicbooks
#Horror is for the othered.
Jonty chats with acclaimed horror writer catrionaward.bsky.social, who has just written a story for a new collection set in the world of Kings sprawling epic #TheStand. To access this conversation, subscribe to the #SecretLifeOfBooks on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. 💛
Jonty chats with acclaimed horror writer catrionaward.bsky.social, who has just written a story for a new collection set in the world of Kings sprawling epic #TheStand. To access this conversation, subscribe to the #SecretLifeOfBooks on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. 💛
November 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM
#Horror is for the othered.
Jonty chats with acclaimed horror writer catrionaward.bsky.social, who has just written a story for a new collection set in the world of Kings sprawling epic #TheStand. To access this conversation, subscribe to the #SecretLifeOfBooks on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. 💛
Jonty chats with acclaimed horror writer catrionaward.bsky.social, who has just written a story for a new collection set in the world of Kings sprawling epic #TheStand. To access this conversation, subscribe to the #SecretLifeOfBooks on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. 💛
⭐ New bonus episode out now ⭐
We’re back to continue our journey through #AmericanHorror… and who better to join us than acclaimed horror writer and author of #NowhereBurning, @catrionaward.bsky.social
🎧 Not a subscriber yet? we'd love for you to join the club. 💛
🔗 www.secretlifeofbooks.org
We’re back to continue our journey through #AmericanHorror… and who better to join us than acclaimed horror writer and author of #NowhereBurning, @catrionaward.bsky.social
🎧 Not a subscriber yet? we'd love for you to join the club. 💛
🔗 www.secretlifeofbooks.org
November 6, 2025 at 7:01 PM
⭐ New bonus episode out now ⭐
We’re back to continue our journey through #AmericanHorror… and who better to join us than acclaimed horror writer and author of #NowhereBurning, @catrionaward.bsky.social
🎧 Not a subscriber yet? we'd love for you to join the club. 💛
🔗 www.secretlifeofbooks.org
We’re back to continue our journey through #AmericanHorror… and who better to join us than acclaimed horror writer and author of #NowhereBurning, @catrionaward.bsky.social
🎧 Not a subscriber yet? we'd love for you to join the club. 💛
🔗 www.secretlifeofbooks.org
📚A book is just a book, until there’s a reader. 📚
This week, Jonty chats with acclaimed #horror writer @catrionaward.bsky.social about their own work & the book many consider #StephenKing’s masterpiece, The Stand.
🎧 Want to hear more? 🔗👆 visit www.secretlifeofbooks.org
#SecretLifeOfBooks
This week, Jonty chats with acclaimed #horror writer @catrionaward.bsky.social about their own work & the book many consider #StephenKing’s masterpiece, The Stand.
🎧 Want to hear more? 🔗👆 visit www.secretlifeofbooks.org
#SecretLifeOfBooks
November 6, 2025 at 11:01 AM
📚A book is just a book, until there’s a reader. 📚
This week, Jonty chats with acclaimed #horror writer @catrionaward.bsky.social about their own work & the book many consider #StephenKing’s masterpiece, The Stand.
🎧 Want to hear more? 🔗👆 visit www.secretlifeofbooks.org
#SecretLifeOfBooks
This week, Jonty chats with acclaimed #horror writer @catrionaward.bsky.social about their own work & the book many consider #StephenKing’s masterpiece, The Stand.
🎧 Want to hear more? 🔗👆 visit www.secretlifeofbooks.org
#SecretLifeOfBooks
Since his debut with #Carrie, #StephenKing has published over 60 novels. He’s one of the most successful writers of all time, and not just for horror – everything from the #ShawshankRedemption and #StandByMe (The Body), to #Misery and #TheShining. But what makes his stories so great?
#BookSky
#BookSky
November 5, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Since his debut with #Carrie, #StephenKing has published over 60 novels. He’s one of the most successful writers of all time, and not just for horror – everything from the #ShawshankRedemption and #StandByMe (The Body), to #Misery and #TheShining. But what makes his stories so great?
#BookSky
#BookSky
What was #StephenKing’s contribution to #horror in ‘Salem’s Lot?
For Sophie, it was situating horror in #AmericanLife. This week, we continue our journey through #AmericanHorror with one of the most successful horror writers of all time!
🎧 Listen now! #SecretLifeOfBooks #BookSky #Halloween
For Sophie, it was situating horror in #AmericanLife. This week, we continue our journey through #AmericanHorror with one of the most successful horror writers of all time!
🎧 Listen now! #SecretLifeOfBooks #BookSky #Halloween
November 3, 2025 at 7:15 PM
What was #StephenKing’s contribution to #horror in ‘Salem’s Lot?
For Sophie, it was situating horror in #AmericanLife. This week, we continue our journey through #AmericanHorror with one of the most successful horror writers of all time!
🎧 Listen now! #SecretLifeOfBooks #BookSky #Halloween
For Sophie, it was situating horror in #AmericanLife. This week, we continue our journey through #AmericanHorror with one of the most successful horror writers of all time!
🎧 Listen now! #SecretLifeOfBooks #BookSky #Halloween
🧛 Is #SalemsLot by #StephenKing “good trash”?
You might be wondering what King has to do with a podcast on #ClassicLiterature. Does it earn its place among the #classics? Find out tomorrow in the latest edition of our #AmericanHorror series 🎧 wherever you listen to podcasts! #BruceSpingsteen
You might be wondering what King has to do with a podcast on #ClassicLiterature. Does it earn its place among the #classics? Find out tomorrow in the latest edition of our #AmericanHorror series 🎧 wherever you listen to podcasts! #BruceSpingsteen
November 3, 2025 at 9:01 AM
🧛 Is #SalemsLot by #StephenKing “good trash”?
You might be wondering what King has to do with a podcast on #ClassicLiterature. Does it earn its place among the #classics? Find out tomorrow in the latest edition of our #AmericanHorror series 🎧 wherever you listen to podcasts! #BruceSpingsteen
You might be wondering what King has to do with a podcast on #ClassicLiterature. Does it earn its place among the #classics? Find out tomorrow in the latest edition of our #AmericanHorror series 🎧 wherever you listen to podcasts! #BruceSpingsteen
For those of you who've stuck with our series on #sonnets, this is for you. 💛
In the latest edition of this subscribers-only series, we unpack #JohnKeats' ‘Bright Star’
🎧 To access this conversation, subscribe to #SecretLifeOfBooks on Apple Podcasts or Patreon
🔗 www.secretlifeofbooks.org
In the latest edition of this subscribers-only series, we unpack #JohnKeats' ‘Bright Star’
🎧 To access this conversation, subscribe to #SecretLifeOfBooks on Apple Podcasts or Patreon
🔗 www.secretlifeofbooks.org
November 2, 2025 at 7:00 PM
For those of you who've stuck with our series on #sonnets, this is for you. 💛
In the latest edition of this subscribers-only series, we unpack #JohnKeats' ‘Bright Star’
🎧 To access this conversation, subscribe to #SecretLifeOfBooks on Apple Podcasts or Patreon
🔗 www.secretlifeofbooks.org
In the latest edition of this subscribers-only series, we unpack #JohnKeats' ‘Bright Star’
🎧 To access this conversation, subscribe to #SecretLifeOfBooks on Apple Podcasts or Patreon
🔗 www.secretlifeofbooks.org
⭐ #BrightStar is one of #JohnKeats most famous sonnets. It’s also a 2009 film, with #Keats played by #BenWhishaw (aka. #PaddingtonBear).
In the latest instalment of our subscriber series on #sonnets, we unpack ‘Bright Star’. 🎧 Tune in on Apple Podcasts or Patreon: www.secretlifeofbooks.org
In the latest instalment of our subscriber series on #sonnets, we unpack ‘Bright Star’. 🎧 Tune in on Apple Podcasts or Patreon: www.secretlifeofbooks.org
November 2, 2025 at 7:40 AM
⭐ #BrightStar is one of #JohnKeats most famous sonnets. It’s also a 2009 film, with #Keats played by #BenWhishaw (aka. #PaddingtonBear).
In the latest instalment of our subscriber series on #sonnets, we unpack ‘Bright Star’. 🎧 Tune in on Apple Podcasts or Patreon: www.secretlifeofbooks.org
In the latest instalment of our subscriber series on #sonnets, we unpack ‘Bright Star’. 🎧 Tune in on Apple Podcasts or Patreon: www.secretlifeofbooks.org
#JoeHill may have #StephenKing for a dad, but he’s more than made a name for himself in his writing.
👻 It’s #Halloween! What better time to tune into this subscriber-exclusive special on American horror with Joe Hill. Out now.
🔗👆 apple.co/slob
#SecretLifeOfBooks #BookSky
👻 It’s #Halloween! What better time to tune into this subscriber-exclusive special on American horror with Joe Hill. Out now.
🔗👆 apple.co/slob
#SecretLifeOfBooks #BookSky
October 31, 2025 at 9:16 AM
#JoeHill may have #StephenKing for a dad, but he’s more than made a name for himself in his writing.
👻 It’s #Halloween! What better time to tune into this subscriber-exclusive special on American horror with Joe Hill. Out now.
🔗👆 apple.co/slob
#SecretLifeOfBooks #BookSky
👻 It’s #Halloween! What better time to tune into this subscriber-exclusive special on American horror with Joe Hill. Out now.
🔗👆 apple.co/slob
#SecretLifeOfBooks #BookSky
#Halloween is just around the corner!
To get into the spooky spirit, Sophie sits down with Joe Hill, #1 #NewYorkTimes bestselling author, who also just happens to be #StephenKing’s son.
🎧Want to hear more? Stay tuned for this subscriber-exclusive episode, coming soon! #SecretLifeOfBooks #BookSky
To get into the spooky spirit, Sophie sits down with Joe Hill, #1 #NewYorkTimes bestselling author, who also just happens to be #StephenKing’s son.
🎧Want to hear more? Stay tuned for this subscriber-exclusive episode, coming soon! #SecretLifeOfBooks #BookSky
October 30, 2025 at 6:01 AM
#Halloween is just around the corner!
To get into the spooky spirit, Sophie sits down with Joe Hill, #1 #NewYorkTimes bestselling author, who also just happens to be #StephenKing’s son.
🎧Want to hear more? Stay tuned for this subscriber-exclusive episode, coming soon! #SecretLifeOfBooks #BookSky
To get into the spooky spirit, Sophie sits down with Joe Hill, #1 #NewYorkTimes bestselling author, who also just happens to be #StephenKing’s son.
🎧Want to hear more? Stay tuned for this subscriber-exclusive episode, coming soon! #SecretLifeOfBooks #BookSky