Writers & Companywith Eleanor Wachtel
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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.
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.
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.
Audio
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.
Abenaki filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin on her legendary career and the power of storytelling
The artist, activist and documentarist spoke with Eleanor Wachtel in 2008 about empowerment, resistance and doing what is right.
Amitav Ghosh pursues adventure across the Indian Ocean in his 19th-century saga, Sea of Poppies
The acclaimed Indian author spoke with Eleanor Wachtel in 2008 about migration, identity and the concept of home.
The legacy of John le Carré: master of the political thriller
The British spy-turned-novelist died on Dec. 12, 2020 at the age of 89. In this 2010 interview, le Carré spoke with Eleanor Wachtel about how his childhood and career in the intelligence service shaped his fiction.
John le Carré on his legacy as a spy-turned-novelist
Eleanor Wachtel travelled to London in 2017 to chat with the bestselling British author about his storied career and the book A Legacy of Spies. le Carré died on Dec. 12, 2020.
French novelist David Foenkinos on literary fame, lost artistic genius and John Lennon
In conversation with Eleanor Wachtel, David Foenkinos talks about his acclaimed work, including Charlotte, Lennon: The New York Years and his most recent novel, The Mystery of Henri Pick.
