Former bookshop owner/seller and director of books at Booktopia, John Purcell, joined me to discuss his latest novel, ‘The Lessons’.

Topics discussed include:

The origins of ‘The Lessons’ stemming from an idea from an unfinished novel twenty years ago - to unexpected arrival of the the voice of Harry, launching what would become the completed novel.

The change in process of the novel (pantser) - how it differed greatly to John’s other works and the challenges it presented.

The study in contrasts in characters - from their understanding of themselves and others - the masculinity/femininity (real or imagined) some characters might feel they have or lack and how that is perceived by others.

How we as people can struggle to accept the people we know and love can change - the desire to want them to be ‘that’ version as we cherish and remember. The problems this can cause and how people can dedicate their lives to pursuing ‘that’ version of someone.

How writers can often have the hardest time trying to articulate themselves to others when speaking - the power of the written word/form.

And so much more!

Thanks so much to John for talking to me on the program, get your copy of ‘The Lessons’ now!