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Laurent Binet turns the tables on European history in his boldly imagined new book, Civilizations
The French novelist spoke with Eleanor Wachtel about what inspired him to imagine an Incan invasion of Europe in the 16th century.
In his Booker Prize-longlisted novel China Room, Sunjeev Sahota reimagines a family legend
In the season opener, the British author talks to Eleanor Wachtel about exploring a personal history of immigration and displacement through fiction.
30 books to celebrate 30 years of Writers & Company
Writers & Company with Eleanor Wachtel celebrates its 30th anniversary season this year. To celebrate, here's a look back at 30 outstanding books the show has covered since 1990.
A new season of Writers & Company with Eleanor Wachtel begins Sept. 12
An interview with Booker Prize-longlisted author Sunjeev Sahota kicks off another exciting season.
Zadie Smith, Caryl Phillips and Aleksandar Hemon on their lives as readers and writers
In 2015, these acclaimed international authors convened with Eleanor Wachtel for a special panel to celebrate Writers & Company's 25th anniversary.
Artist and author Leanne Shapton on what objects tell us about the lives of others
In this 2019 interview, the author of Guestbook: Ghost Stories speaks with Eleanor Wachtel about how our worldly possessions define and reveal identity and status.
From The Piano to Bright Star, Jane Campion's films are original, sensual and daring
In this 2009 interview, the celebrated New Zealand screenwriter, producer and director spoke with Eleanor Wachtel about the power of reclaiming gender identity through cinema.
A vision of the world through the lens of Taryn Simon: probing the uncertainty of memory and truth
In this 2013 interview, the American photographer and conceptual artist spoke with Eleanor Wachtel about the power of perspective in art and image creation.
Bernardine Evaristo on Black British identity and her Booker-winning novel, Girl, Woman, Other
The British author spoke with Eleanor Wachtel about amplifying the voices of marginalized people through literature.
Superstar artist Olafur Eliasson engages with the natural world in his thought-provoking installations
The Icelandic Danish artist, known for his sculptures and large-scale installation art, spoke with Eleanor Wachtel in 2012 about art, creativity and political empowerment.
Jericho Brown's prize-winning poetry speaks with power and urgency about racism and violence
In this 2020 interview, the American poet and Pulitzer Prize winner spoke with Eleanor Wachtel about his poetry collection The Tradition, the legacy of racial violence and hopes of finding justice in an unjust world.
Chan Koonchung's dystopian novel The Fat Years imagines state-engineered amnesia in China
Chan Koonchung's controversial 2012 novel follows a group of friends investigating a mysterious amnesia that takes over China.
Witi Ihimaera and Ali Cobby Eckermann on the power of Indigenous storytelling
In this 2018 conversation, the Maori author of The Whale Rider and the Australian Aboriginal poet behind Ruby Moonlight discuss historical wrongs that stories help us face.
The legendary Christopher Plummer: from Shakespeare to The Sound of Music to Knives Out
Eleanor Wachtel spoke to the Academy Award-winning actor on Wachtel on the Arts in 2011. Plummer died on Feb. 5, 2021 at the age of 91.
From Gertrude Stein to true crime, acclaimed journalist Janet Malcolm followed her curiosity
In this 2008 interview, Eleanor Wachtel spoke with Malcolm about the ethics of journalism and literary nonfiction writing. Malcolm died on June 16, 2021 at the age of 86.
Rivka Galchen's reimagining of a 17th century witch trial is a story that speaks to our time
The Canadian-born American writer spoke with Eleanor Wachtel about her new novel, Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch, and the historical connections between science, reason and magic.
Bosnian writer Semezdin Mehmedinović on the trauma of war — and the power of love
The Bosnian author and editor spoke with Eleanor Wachtel on writing about memory, language, identity and existence.
Remembering Leonard Cohen: biographer Sylvie Simmons on Montreal's beloved poet
In this 2017 interview, Eleanor Wachtel speaks to music journalist and biographer Sylvie Simmons about the man behind the music, poetry and fiction. Cohen's posthumous album, Thanks for the Dance, has been nominated for a 2021 Juno Award in the album of the year category.
In her prizewinning fiction, Sigrid Nunez deals with life — and death — with empathy and wit
The American novelist spoke with Eleanor Wachtel about friendship, grief and the enduring power of fairy tales.
Dante's Inferno: Why The Divine Comedy still captivates readers, 700 years later
In this 1996 interview, American essayist and preeminent Dante scholar John Freccero speaks with Eleanor Wachtel about the enduring legacy of one of literature’s greatest works.
Charles Yu's Interior Chinatown looks at anti-Asian racism through the eyes of a Hollywood actor
The American television and fiction writer spoke with Eleanor Wachtel about exploring the influence of stereotypes and representation in his award-winning novel.
Nuala O'Faolain reflects on fleeting fame, aging and Irish history — and writing about it all
An onstage conversation with the Irish journalist and memoirist, originally recorded live in 2003 at the Literary Arts Festival in Victoria.
Alison Bechdel tackles the world of fitness in her new graphic memoir, The Secret to Superhuman Strength
The American author and cartoonist spoke with Eleanor Wachtel about her creative process and her lifelong love affair with exercise.
Polish poet Adam Zagajewski wrote with urgency and eloquence about history, homeland and loss
One of the leading writers of his generation, poet, essayist and novelist Adam Zagajewski died on March 21, 2021. In this 2005 interview, he spoke with Eleanor Wachtel about writing poetry shaped by the complex legacy of Polish history.
Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro on the emotional power of storytelling in a high-tech world
The British novelist, screenwriter and musician spoke with Eleanor Wachtel about his eighth novel — one that looks at love and loyalty through the eyes of an android.
