In today’s episode, I take a look at the iconic beginning of James Joyce’s “Ulysses” and discuss what makes it so luminous. “Ulysses” is often credited with having a famous opening, but it’s worthwhile unpacking everything that Joyce is doing. How does the Irish sea symbolize a dead mother? How does he use rhythm and syntax to rhyme and pair his lines. Join me in today’s discussion!
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2 Mar 2026
Brilliant Beginnings: Number9dream
In today’s reading, I take a look at the turbocharged beginning of David Mitchell’s 2001 novel, Number9dream. Although not as highly regarded as some of his other work, Mitchell’s early novel still shows the trademarks of the master’s fireworking style: humor, clipped pacing, gorgeous details, quickcut characterization, and so much more!
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21 Feb 2026
Brilliant Beginnings: Lolita
A few weeks ago, I talked about what made the beginning of Dickens’s Bleak House so outstanding. Continuing on with this theme, today I take a look at Vladimir Nabokov’s demonic fairytale, Lolita. Everybody knows its euphonic opening line (light of my life, fire of my loins) but what else is Nabokov doing here? Join me and we’ll find out together!
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Who has been a guest on Talk Write
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Emperor Justinian
Dante Alighieri
Beatrice Portinari
George Mouse
Russell Eigenblick
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5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 54 / 100
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Engagement
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