In this show we're getting to grips with graphic novels. What's the history of this kind of storytelling? What narrative possibilities does the form open up? We first explored this theme with the artist Nick Hayes all the way back in 2014 before this show was even a podcast, and we're returning to it now because our guest this month is the writer and artist Lizzy Stewart, whose debut graphic novel Alison was published this year. Alison is a subtle and beautiful story of a young woman who leaves her marriage and her rural life in Dorset for a much older, more sophisticated and famous painter in 1970s London. There she learns to find her own artistic voice, and reflects on a life lived in art. Listen in for a discussion of the graphic novels we love, the joys of the form, and all the usual reading recommendations.

Recommendations on the theme, Graphic Novels:

Octavia: The Secret to Superhuman Strength by Alison Bechdel

Carrie: Sabrina by Nick Drnaso

General recommendations:

Octavia: The Wolf Border by Sarah Hall

Lizzy: Kick the Latch by Kathryn Scanlan

Carrie: Trespasses by Louise Kennedy

Find a list of all recommended books at: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/october-2022-graphic-novels-with-lizzy-stewart

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This episode is sponsored by Picador: https://www.panmacmillan.com/picador