Writers & Company with Eleanor Wachtel
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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.
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.
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.
In Dostoevsky in Love, Alex Christofi captures the tortured brilliance of the great Russian writer
In conversation with Eleanor Wachtel, the British author talks about why the 19th-century writer's work remains powerful and relevant today.
30 years of Writers & Company: Conversations 'In the Field' with 4 remarkable writers from around the world
In celebration of Writers & Company's 30th anniversary season, we revisit classic author interviews that were recorded on location. Listen to Eleanor Wachtel's past conversations with Khushwant Singh, Mandla Langa, Alexis Wright and Tayeb Salih.
Florian Zeller explores family, memory, love and loss in his Oscar-nominated drama, The Father
The celebrated French novelist, playwright and director spoke to Eleanor Wachtel about emotion, narrative and how he writes for theatre and screen.
Behind the scenes of a life in literature: Michael Ondaatje interviews Eleanor Wachtel
In this special episode, we go back to 2010, when the celebrated host of Writers & Company became the guest on her own program at a live Toronto event.
Lydia Millet's novel A Children's Bible is an imaginative reckoning with climate change
The Toronto-raised American novelist spoke with Eleanor Wachtel about how she sees the world — and why she welcomes the anger of young people about environmental issues.
Ben Macintyre tells the fascinating true story of the only woman to become a top Soviet spy
The British author spoke with Eleanor Wachtel about the allure of espionage and writing about the remarkable Cold War secret operative known as Agent Sonya.
Catherine Lacey imagines a character without race or gender in her latest novel, Pew
The American author spoke with Eleanor Wachtel about writing a novel that examines faith, forgiveness and identity politics.
Veep creator Armando Iannucci finds the comic in the absurd, from The Death of Stalin to David Copperfield
The Scottish satirist, writer and director spoke with Eleanor Wachtel about his love of Charles Dickens and why he finds truth in satire.
For Valentine's Day, six writers on love, sex, passion and desire — in life and literature
In 2001, Eleanor Wachtel was joined by Ian McEwan, A.L. Kennedy, Clare Boylan, Rosemary Sullivan, Shyam Selvadurai and Esta Spalding to talk about romance and writing.
Adrian Tomine on The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Cartoonist and finding solace in storytelling
In conversation with Eleanor Wachtel, the Japanese American illustrator talks about how solitude has shaped his life and art.
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Remembering legendary Canadian actor Christopher Plummer
Eleanor Wachtel spoke to the Oscar-winning actor on Wachtel on the Arts in 2011. Plummer died on Feb. 5, 2021.
Margot Livesey on The Boy in the Field and the presence of ghosts in her fiction — and in her life
The Scottish-born author spoke with Eleanor Wachtel about how her latest novel explores the nature of truth and self-discovery.
30 years of Writers & Company: 5 inspiring people who changed how we see the world
Writers & Company celebrates its 30th anniversary season this year. This special episode features interviews with Jane Goodall, Oliver Sacks, Amartya Sen, Jane Jacobs and Desmond Tutu.
Travels with Graham Greene — the remarkable life and times of a master storyteller
Canadian poet and editor Richard Greene spoke with Eleanor Wachtel about covering the life of one of the most popular and admired English writers of the 20th century.
Wayétu Moore tells the story of Liberia through her family's escape from its devastating civil war
The author of The Dragons, The Giant, The Women spoke to Eleanor Wachtel about the impact of Liberia's civil war on the country, her family, and her own life.
