Charlie and Emily Slapper (Everyone I Know Is Dying) discuss her phenomenal book that looks at a young woman spiralling from mental illness. This involves discussing romantic relationships when one is depressed, the affect of parents, the affect of society, and not using labels.

General references: I spoke to Samantha Sotto Yambao in episode 122

Books mentioned by name or extensively: Emily Slapper: Everyone I Know Is Dying Sylvia Plath: The Bell Jar

Release details: recorded 16th April 2025; published 25th August 2025

Where to find Emily online: Instagram

Where to find Charlie online: Website || Twitter || Instagram || TikTok

Discussions

01:25 The inspiration, films that only scratched the surface 03:25 Emily's surprising answer to the question of what research she did 04:14 Talking of the nod to The Bell Jar 04:41 And to the question as to Emily's books in a drawer, and about Emily's original career plan 07:02 The first line and responses to Iris as a character 10:01 On not labelling Iris 11:10 The importance of writing fiction about mental illness 12:39 Including discussion on how society affects us 14:48 George and his role 18:00 Patrick and his role 20:24 The impact of Iris' parents and upbringing on her 24:44 Emily's choices as to the ending 28:30 How should we feel about Sara? 31:50 On privilege or the lack of it 33:05 Patrick's life beyond the book 34:58 The way Emily incorporates the passing of seasons 38:28 Emily's second book