In Episode 9 Ali and Penny talk to Jodie Chapman about her debut novel, Another Life, out now on Penguin Michael Joseph.

Another Life tells the story of Nick and Anna, and the one seminal summer the pair spend together that marks each of them in its own way. Years later, tragedy brings the two back into each other's orbits, but is it too late? Jodie Chapman describes the book as a book about love in all its forms, and it's this idea that forms the backbone of her conversation with Ali and Penny.

Anna is trapped by the expectations of the religion she's raised in, one where there are no birthday celebrations, or Easter or Christmas, and the end of days hangs heavily over her. We talk about using life to inform your writing, and the risks and opportunities this presents.

Another Life is narrated by Nick, we talk about writing from the male perspective, about motherhood and the fear of toxic masculinity as well as the immense privilege and challenges of raising boys; and how life life is never black and white, only ever hues of something else.

It's a packed episode - enjoy!

Links

Another life - Jodie Chapman

Sorrow and Bliss - Meg Mason

Peel Me a Lotus - Charmian Clift

Many Different Kinds of Love - Michael Rosen

No One Is Talking About This - Patricia Lockwood

You can shop all the podcast book recommendations on the Not To Busy To Write Recommends at Bookshop.org

You can find Jodie Chapman in instragram @jodiechapman