"I'm interested in how deceptions can make you feel more of yourself or can unlock something in you that you didn't know you had."

Eleanor Catton, Booker Prize-winning author of The Luminaries, is back with Birnam Wood — part eco-thriller, part social and political satire, wholly insightful. This propulsive novel is prescient, timely, and all-too relatable in our present day. Catton joins us in conversation about creating her characters, Shakespeare's use of prophecy and power, how the story was influenced by Jane Austen's Emma and more with Poured Over host, Miwa Messer. Listen after the episode for a TBR Topoff from Marc and Madyson.

Featured Books (Episode):

Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton

The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton

Macbeth by William Shakespeare

We are Bellingcat by Eliot Higgins

Emma by Jane Austen

Memento Mori by Muriel Spark

On Writing by Stephen King

Featured Books (TBR Topoff):

The Appeal by Janice Hallett

Wilder Girls by Rory Power

Poured Over is produced and hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. Follow us here for new episodes Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays)