Wireless Books: Recent Episodes
Christine Powley and Beth Sizemore
Christine and Beth explore our city's rich literary heritage, with people who are passionate about the printed word. Thanks to Dunedin Athenaeum Library and Mechanics Institute
Bella and Holly bid farewell in their final podcast of Books Uncovered. They discuss what they're been reading this past week. The four titles are: London Falling' by Patrick Radden Keefe, 'Fruit Fly' by Josh Sliver and The Witch' by Marie Ndiaye.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Mechanics' Institute held a poetry event- Reading Palestine.This episode features readings from Rushi Vyas, Hera Lindsay Bird and Lynley Edmeades.Stitching Solidarity brought together contributions from artists across Aotearoa in an offering of solidarity with the people of Palestine. The quilt captures an expression of outrage at the ongoing violence in Gaza and the West Bank, and hope for a future built on justice and self-determination.The Stitching Solidarity Project was conceived by Kirsty Baker and was facilitated in collaboration with Elle Loui August, Zoe Black, Abby Cunnane, Simon Gennard, Ioana Gordon-Smith, Milly Mitchell-Anyon, Israel Randell, DJCS and Matariki Williams.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Holly shares some highlights from her trip to Melbourne for the Literary Programmers Roundtable. We talk about books 'Almost Life' by Kiran Millwood Hargave and 'Heart the Lover' by Lily King. Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
In this episode of Books Uncovered, Bella takes the lead while Holly visits the Melbourne Writers Festival. She explores a variety of mystery and thriller novels that blend genres, starting with the Hugo Award-winning biopunk fantasy The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett. Bella discusses the unique detective dynamic in a world of biological horror and leviathans before moving into the atmospheric world of Irish noir. She reviews The Keeper by Tana French, the final book in the Cal Hooper trilogy, describing it as a slow-burn excavation of community secrets and rural decline in the Irish countryside.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
We discuss 'Mongrel' by Hanako Footman, ' Speak to me of Home' by Jeanine Cummins and 'Home seeking' by Karissa Chen.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
We chat about a couple of books from American writer Lauren Groff. Her 2022 novel Matrix and her 2026 short story collection Brawler. Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
We discuss books 'The Wall' by Marlen Haushofer. 'One Aladdin Two Lamps' by Jeannette Winterson and ' Heap the Earth Upon it' by Chole Michelle Howarth. Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Holly and Bella and back in the studio chatting about 'Ordinary Saints' by Niamh Ni Mhaoileoin. "The House of Doors"by Tan Twan Eng. "House of Day, House of Night" by Olga TokarczukBroadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Holly gives a brief run down on some of the new books just landed at the Athenaeum. Including: Lost Lambs- Madeline Cash. Party Boy- Breton Dukes. Such a Perfect Family- Nalini Singh. The Art of a Lie- Laura Shepherd- Robinson. Colm Toibin - A long Winter. The Black Monk – Charlotte Grimshaw. Some Bright Nowhere- Ann Packer. Mr McGlue- Ottessa Moshfegh.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
We chat with Queer Romance enthusiast Jordan Dougherty about what she's reading. Join us as we discuss the in's and out's of Heated Rivalry by Rachael Reid. Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Holly and guest Catlin discuss three very well know dystopian classics. George Orwell's -1984. Ray Bradbury's- Fahrenheit 451 and Antony Burgess - A Clockwork Orange.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
We have a chat about books by Lauren Elkin ' Art Monsters: Unruly bodies in feminist art'. Anna Funder ' Wifedom: Mrs Orwell’s Invisible Life'. Patrick Radden Keefe ' Say Nothing: A True story of murder and memory in Northern Ireland' and Anne Carson's ' Wrong Norma'.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
What makes a novel become a classic? Holly and guest Caitlin discuss books ' Wide Sargasso Sea' by Jean Rhys. 'Sula' by Toni Morrison and 'Brighton Rock' by Graham Greene.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
A chat about books- 'Chosen Family' by Madeleine Grey. 'We the Animals' by Justin Torres. 'The Lilac People' by Milo Todd and ' The Silver Book' by Olivia Laing.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Books for sipping upon while you're basking in the sun. We chat about authors S.A Cosby, Ingrid Horrocks, Uketsu, Tina Makereti and Miranda July.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
36 - Magical Realism - We discuss 'The Hearing Trumpet' by Leonora Carrington and stories from authors Sosuke natsukawa and Angela Carter. Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Transformation is a common theme within literature. Whether is it a metamorphosis, a coming of age or an awakening some kind, it's compelling to witness life changing, moving forward, even if it isn't always for the best. We look at books 'The Hounding' by Xenobe Purvis, 'The Book of Guilt' by Catherine Chidgey and 'We Love you Bunny' by Mona Awad. Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Weather is a great conceit for exploring ideas in creative writing. Holly and Bella have a chat about books that feature the weather. They look at Ian McEwan - 'What we can Know' . Solvej Balle - 'On the Calculation of Volume' and N.K. Jemisin - 'The Fifth Season'.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Holly has a chat with local poet Jasmine O M Taylor. They discus how Jasmine started her passion for writing, The Octagon Collective and what events Jasmine is involved with in this years Writers and Readers Festival. Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Holly and Bella share some poems by Liz Breslin, Freya Jackson, John Berryman and Emma Neale. Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
This episode of Books Uncovered is hosted by Bella, who reviews two books she has read recently: A Room Above a Shop by Anthony Shapland and Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab. She discusses the themes of these novels, including queer love, the AIDS epidemic, and the vampire trope in fiction. Bella also provides her opinion on the strengths and weaknesses of each book and shares some of her favourite quotes.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
In this episode of Books Uncovered, hosts Holly and Bella discuss a selection of new titles available at the Dunedin Athenaeum Library. The conversation covers a range of genres, from a literary thriller exploring parental fears to a reimagined classic and a collection of novellas. They also mention upcoming literary events in Dunedin.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
New books by Liz Moore, Sally Rooney, Cary's Davies and Elizabeth StroutBroadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
09 - Six Poets - Holly talks about poets, Fleur Adcock, Peter Olds, Kaveh Akbar, Anne Sexton, Helen Mort and Will Harris. With some recordings of the poets reading their work. Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Holly & Bella discuss NZ authors Catherine Chidgey's - Pet. And Fiona Kidman's This Mortal Boy. Mixed in with some quirky book blurbs and events happening around the city.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
We talk with romance enthusiasts Jordon and Nell about romance novels. They discus Ali Hazelwood, Emily Henry, Rachel Reid and collaborators Eden Finley and Saxon James.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Athenaeum Library starts their first poetry section thanks to the generous donation by Sir Vincent O'Sullivan's family. We discus poets, Jack Underwood, James Tate, Rachael Long.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
This week Holly and Bella talk about Historical FictionBroadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Chat about Emily Perkins & Saraid D Silver - NZ Authors Emily Perkins & Saraid D Silver.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
A conversation about Irish fiction writers. Featuring John Boyne, Sally Rooney, Oisín McKenna and Megan Nolan. Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Guest Gareth West comes in for a chat about archival and library work. We discuss what we're reading and play a poem by Raymond Antrobus.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Holly & Bella Chat Books - The Athenaeum's new librarian Holly Fletcher speaks with Bella King, about writers Sinéad Gleeson, Laureen Groff, Louise Erdich and Ottessa Moshfegh. Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Hello Holly - It is a time of change at the Athenaeum. Christine has retired and we have a lovely new librarian Holly Flecther. In todays show we introduced Holly and talk a little about her background and of course we have new books to talk about.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Even more St Kilda - We return to St Kilda's past where the fear of being inundated by the sea did not put people off removing sand from the sand dunes. We call them Karens' but they were just busy bodies back then and we have some examples as well as odd financial dealings that would have Rate Payers Groups hopping mad today. Also new book reviews.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Censorship at the Athenaeum - One of our members took out an old Ken Follett and when she brought it back she said 'what's the story with the missing pages?' and she showed me that six pages were missing. So Rosalie the librarian before me had censored this book. I was able to uncover some of the story behind this and share it with our listeners.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
More St Kilda - We have a host of new books. Christine provides an update on our favourite ancient Greek Aeschylus and tells us more about the borough of St Kilda.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
History of St Kilda - Not that long ago Dunedin was a compact city surrounded by independent Boroughs one of the last of which was St Kilda. Something reminded Christine that people living in St Kilda had to pay a non-residents fee to borrow books from the Dunedin City Library and in trying to research that she stumbled upon lots of other interesting information about the creation of St Kilda.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Maids of Honour - Beth is back on deck hitting all the buttons at the right time (sort of) and Christine is very happy to see her. We have new books and old-time tips on economical ways to keep your leather shoes in tip top shape.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Books, books, books - The Athenaeum Library reopens on Monday the 29th of January and Christine runs through some of the great new books you can borrow then.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Books for Christmas - It's starting to look a lot like Christmas and one of the great Athenaeum Christmas traditions is being about to take a double lot of books over the summer break and Christine is busy buying up new books to meet the demand. In todays episode she reviews some of the new books.
Randolph Churchill - Randolph was the only son of Sir Winston Churchill (Britain's war time prime minister) and famous for his volcanic tempter. The Athenaeum has a biography written by his cousin Anita Leslie in the collection and Christine shares some of the funnier stories contained in it. Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
The Dangers of Lawn Tennis - A hundred years ago people were worried that women were ruining their figures by playing lawn tennis becoming lean, tough and unattractive. But here in the present we have new books to talk about.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
A Real Who Dunnit! Theft at the British Museum - The thefts from the British Museum that are hitting the headlines have not been the first ones from the museum in recent years. Christine lists some incredible security failures.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
By Dickens! - Barbara Kingsolver's novel Demon Copperhead was modeled on David Copperfield by Charles Dickens and when Christine mentions this Beth reveals a surprising amount of knowledge about the great man's ten children.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
New Books - So many books to talk about, they make up most of the show.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
A Stack of Books - The Athenaeum was lucky enough to have a stack of books donated to us in the last week so Christine's rundown of new books is longer than usual this episode.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
The History of the Mountain of Light - The Mountain of Light is the Koh-i-noor one of the world's biggest diamonds. Christine gives a very quick run through it's complicated history to explain how India, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Taliban all feel they have a claim for it's return from the British government.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Still No Beth - Beth is back from her holiday in Vanuatu but the change in temperatures has left her with a nasty cold, so we made her stay home and once again Christine is flying solo. Get well soon Beth is all we can say.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
The One Without Beth - Beth is off on an Island holiday and Christine is left holding the fort. We have reviews of some cracking new books and to save Christine's voice some musical interludes. Hiawatha by Look Blue Go Purple - Christine outlines some of the inspiration and plot of The Song of Hiawatha the epic poem by Longfellow that inspired the song. We finish with Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush other song inspired by a literary work. Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
The Last of the Book Sale - Thomas A Watson the assistant of Alexander Graham Bell did more than help Bell invent the telephone, Christine explains why he is interesting in his own right and then we talk about the last batch of books from last month's Regent Book Sale.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
More Treasures from the Regent Book Sale - Christine got a heck of a lot of books at the Regent Book Sale and here are quick reviews of more of them. Also we talk about the strange case of the Russian Princess travelling by train in the South Island a 100 years ago whose fondness for whisky caught the attention of the justice system and the press. Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Goodies from the Book Sale - Christine made it to the Regent Book Sale last week and she came laden with some of her selections.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
The Act of Oblivion - The Stuart Kings of England are back in fashion again with two new books featuring them - Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris and Dawnlands by Philippa Gregory but that's not the only new books that Christine and Beth talk about.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Last year Christine talked a little about the life and career of A A Milne and now she returns with more information about the man who did much more than write about his child's adventures with his stuffed toys. We also have reviews of the latest books to join the Athenaeum's shelves.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
In what has become a New Year's tradition we mark the changing of the year with music. This year all the picks are Beth's and she has gone full DivaBroadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Christmas is close and we return to our Christmas tradition of non-stop Christmas Songs - this year they all have a country flavour including Country Christmas by Loretta Lynn the long time Queen of country music and New Zealand's own country star John Hore, both who died recently.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
A A Milne is best known now days as the writer of children's stories about Pooh Bear but he had an enormously successful career as a writer for adults. Christine shares some details of his life including that he wrote a very popular series of skits for Punch magazine called Rabbits about the doings of the bright young things of Edwardian London.Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Able Seacat Simon - A dockside kitten stowed away to sea on the HMS Amethyst and for a brief time was the most famous cat in the world when his courage under fire and ratting abilities helped his crew through a difficult incident. Christine and Beth share his story and information about the Athenaeums new books.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
This time of year Christine is taken by surprise by Halloween, The Melbourne Cup and Guy Fawkes night in quick succession. She admits she keeps forgetting about them because she doesn't celebrate any of them - Beth of course is horrified by her lack of party spirit. They both agree that there are some crackers amongst the Athenaeum's new books.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
The first European settlers of Dunedin wanted it to be an Antipodean Arcadia but their own actions made that difficult. We tend to think of Dunedin as it is today but of course the settlers almost immediately set about changing the shore line and removing inconvenient hills. We talk about instances of this as well as reviewing new books.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Beth is delighted to have the new Vera Stanhope, The Rising Tide by Ann Cleeves, book number ten in the popular series. We talk about other new books and then discuss the State Funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Beth is delighted to have the new Vera Stanhope, The Rising Tide by Ann Cleeves, book number ten in the popular series. We talk about other new books and then discuss the State Funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Lord Jellicoe was a hero of the First World War and Governor-General of New Zealand afterwards. Christine talks about his career in the Royal Navy. We also have new books to discuss.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Lord Jellicoe was a hero of the First World War and Governor-General of New Zealand afterwards. Christine talks about his career in the Royal Navy. We also have new books to discuss.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
A lot of legions and folktales have sprung up around the frontiers of early America. Christine and Beth try and shed light on the truth of the careers of three much mythicised men Daniel Boone, Davey Crockett and Jim Bowie as well as reviewing some of the new books at the Athenaeum Library.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
A lot of legions and folktales have sprung up around the frontiers of early America. Christine and Beth try and shed light on the truth of the careers of three much mythicised men Daniel Boone, Davey Crockett and Jim Bowie as well as reviewing some of the new books at the Athenaeum Library.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
My Friends - Jane Duncan had a huge popular success with her semi-autobiographical novels the My Friend ... novels which numbered 19 by her death. Christine talks about the real woman behind the fictionalised Janet Sanderson. And as always we have the Athenaeum's newest books to review.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
My Friends - Jane Duncan had a huge popular success with her semi-autobiographical novels the My Friend ... novels which numbered 19 by her death. Christine talks about the real woman behind the fictionalised Janet Sanderson. And as always we have the Athenaeum's newest books to review.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Christine needs a Bond in her life - Bond, James Bond that is - we review Anthony Horowitz's third and final James Bond novel With a Mind to Kill and Christine admits it is not really her cup of tea but passionate James Bond fans have persuaded her that she really should give it a go.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Ann's back - We have the latest Ann Cleeve except it's a book that was published 30 years ago when she was just getting started and now that we all love Vera, the publishers have reissued it. There are other new books and the extended death of Oscar Wilde and the difficulties around his tombstone.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Both Beth and Christine were bewildered by Lloyd Jones's latest novel The Fish and can't stop talking about it. There are also other new books to review and more about J B Priestley.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Not enough murder mysteries - Beth is on the warpath as Christine hasn't been buying enough murder mysteries for her taste.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
A Habit of Nuns - One of the new books is a murder mystery set in a nunnery in 16th Century Florence and it set Christine off looking into the history of nuns. We also have other new books not about nuns.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
I Know a Published Author - The New Zealand Women's Weekly ran a short story competition which Christine entered and amazingly she won. Beth reads it to us and Christine does a lot of gormless grinning. Then we review books by real published authors.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Katrina loves Marian - Marian Keyes has a new novel out (Again, Rachel) and Beth was unhappy to learn that she couldn't take it with her.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
New Books - We are back in the studio and Christine has plenty of new books to talk about.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Christine remembers her favourite books of 2021 and then reviews some of the latest books in the Athenaeum. Then we learn about the perils of dentistry in the West Coast 100 years ago. Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Home Science - The School of Home Science opened in 1911 with five students in a tin shed where the School of Mines used to be. We talk about how Home Science was considered a safe sphere for women and the fight the Chair had to keep academic standards high.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
A Christmas Show - Christine and Beth host their traditional Christmas Show of Christmas carols but this year there is a difference - we concentrate on just two artists John Denver and the wonderful Karen Carpenter.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
It is an exciting week: celebrating 100 years of radio in New Zealand; a Heritage Festival in the weekend and the freeing of Britney Spears. We touch on all three events as well as the history of Merton Hodge a Dunedin trained Doctor who became a hugely successful international playwright in the 1930's. Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
The young lady of Caversham - Christine found an old brochure with some limericks from Otago Punch 1866 and more information about early Otago writers.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Before the meat market it was a library - The original Athenaeum building (down in the Exchange) was never really fit for purpose and the Athenaeum soon moved on leaving the building to become a bank before ending it's days as a meat market. Beth and Christine discuss the buildings sad fate and then talk about the new books. Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Back to the beginning - Christine was approached by a family who where wanting any information about their ancestor who family lore said was involved in the Athenaeum. She was able to find mentions of him in Jim Sullivan's history of the Athenaeum 'Reading Matters' and he had been on the Athenaeum's first Committee.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
The Wonderful Lansburys - Last time Christine started to tell the story of George Lansbury a British politician and his son Edgar Lansbury but she ran out of time and she promised to blow your socks off with more information about the Lansbury family in this show. I don't that Beth's socks were blown off but there is an unexpected addition to the Lansbury story. Plus Christine reviews the latest books in the Athenaeum library.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
At last, we are open - The Athenaeum reopened on Wednesday when we entered Level 2 just in time to record another episode of Wireless Books.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz
Dinah Mulock Craik - Dinah is a forgotten Victorian writer who at one time was only outsold by Charles Dickens. Her life story was full of amazing twists and turns and Christine gives us a short run through of some of them.
Broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin oar.org.nz