Book and Lounge

the Afro-Caribbean Bookclub
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An engaging monthly books podcast where members of the Afro-Caribbean Book Club discuss books they have read and sometimes talk to authors about their writing✍️.

  1. The Return by Hisham Matar: Memoir, Grief, and the Quest for Truth in a Land of Exile

    -2 j

    The Return by Hisham Matar: Memoir, Grief, and the Quest for Truth in a Land of Exile

    In this episode, we discuss Hisham Matar's poignant memoir, The Return, which explores the complex themes of grief, exile, and the search for truth against the backdrop of Libya's tumultuous history under Gaddafi. Matar's narrative oscillates between past and present as he recounts his quest to uncover the fate of his father, a political dissident who vanished into the regime's oppressive grasp. We unpack the emotional weight of Matar's experiences and the lyrical beauty of his writing and discuss the implications of identity and belonging in a state of exile, the ethical responsibilities of memoirists in chronicling history, and the intricate dynamics of family relationships shaped by loss and trauma. Tune in to discover how this memoir not only serves as a personal account but also as a powerful commentary on the broader socio-political landscape of Libya. Send your thoughts to us at hello@bookandlounge.com

    50 min
  2. Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby: Revenge, Grief, and the Limits of Vigilante Justice

    1 juin

    Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby: Revenge, Grief, and the Limits of Vigilante Justice

    When two grieving fathers unite to hunt down their sons' killers, the real question isn't whether they will succeed. Can revenge ever truly heal the wounds that grief leaves behind? In this episode we discuss S.A. Cosby's Razorblade Tears. The book follows two fathers from radically different backgrounds, one white and one Black, whose sons were murdered. Their quest for vengeance reveals uncomfortable truths about guilt, unresolved trauma, grief, tolerance and what it means to truly accept someone you love. Listen to the full episode to hear every nuanced thread unpacked. Send comments to hello@bookandlounge.com

    1 h
  3. Percival Everett's James: A Bold Reimagining of Huckleberry Finn

    30 avr.

    Percival Everett's James: A Bold Reimagining of Huckleberry Finn

    What if we have been reading Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the wrong perspective? In this episode, we discuss Percival Everett's James, a bold reimagining that gives Jim, the enslaved man, his own voice. Everett does not simply retell Twain's narrative. He reveals Jim as a fully realised person with his own motivations, intelligence, and a relationship with Huck that is far more complex than we ever imagined. In this conversation we explore code-switching and what purpose it served and continues to serve, race as a social construct, and how dehumanisation functioned as tools of systemic control. We also explore Everett’s sharp critique of white liberalism and his willingness to challenge persistent stereotypes about Black intellectualism. We discuss how fear and psychological terror were slavery's primary control mechanisms, and how those same systems persist today. Listen Now.

    1 h 11 min

  4. 31 mars

    The Dream Hotel: Is The Surveillance Dystopia Already Here?

    In this episode we examine how a woman's dream data, collected through an innocent sleep monitoring implant, becomes weaponised by government algorithms to detain her without cause. We unpack the Dream Hotel’s central warning: technology normalised today becomes tomorrow's tool of oppression. We explore how smart glasses, social media monitoring, and surveillance systems operate with minimal accountability. We challenge why tech entrepreneurs hold unquestioned authority over our futures and discuss practical steps to reclaim personal data control.

    1 h 21 min
  5. Beyond Borders - Exploring the Complexities of Migration in Manchester Happened

    1 mars

    Beyond Borders - Exploring the Complexities of Migration in Manchester Happened

    In the latest episode, we discuss themes in the compelling collection of short stories, Manchester Happened by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi. The stories are a poignant exploration of migration, identity, and the complexities of cultural experiences faced by Ugandans in the diaspora. They are intricately woven, revealing the nuances of life as an immigrant and the challenges of reconciling one's past with their present. If you’ve ever felt caught between two worlds, or you simply love a good story that tells it like it is, hit play. Drop us a comment, share the episode with #ManchesterHappened and keep the conversation rolling because the only thing better than a good book is a good debate.

    1 h 24 min
  6. A New Year of Reading - Rediscover the Joy in Books

    8 févr.

    A New Year of Reading - Rediscover the Joy in Books

    We are kicking off the year by sharing our favourite reads from last year and having an honest chat about the quiet decline of reading culture, what still makes books magical, and how to make space for them again without pressure. We talk about the books that surprised us, the ones we couldn’t put down, and what we’re hoping to read in 2026. More than that, we share simple, practical tips to help you fall back in love with reading (or finally get into it). Whether you are a lifelong bookworm or someone who hasn’t finished a novel in years, this one’s for you. Tune in for: • Our top reads of the year (and why we loved them) • Why reading feels harder now and how to make it easier • How to build a reading habit that actually sticks • What’s on our 2026 TBR pile Grab a book. Or just hit play. #TBR #ReadingHabits #BookLovers #NewYearNewBooks

    44 min
  7. Navigating Parenthood and Identity in Diane Evans' Ordinary People

    1 janv.

    Navigating Parenthood and Identity in Diane Evans' Ordinary People

    In this episode, discuss the complexities of modern relationships through the lens of Diane Evans' novel, Ordinary People. We explore how the characters' identities shift in the wake of their new roles as parents, the expectations placed upon them by society, and the impact of grief on their relationships. We reflect on the ordinary moments that shape our lives, the dynamics of friendship, and how we process loss in a world that often demands we move on too quickly. Tune in for an engaging conversation on the complexities of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness. #OrdinaryPeople #DianeEvans #Parenthood #Grief #Relationships

    1 h 20 min
  8. Anansi's Gold - Exploring the life of a charismatic charmer who swindled the world

    30/11/2025

    Anansi's Gold - Exploring the life of a charismatic charmer who swindled the world

    Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of ambition, greed, and the human condition as we dive into the intriguing world of Anansi's Gold - The Man Who Swindled the World by Yepoka Yeebo We explore the life of a master con artist whose charm and charisma allowed him to manipulate the wealthy and powerful. We unpack the complex layers of his character, examining how he blurred the lines between truth and deception, and the moral implications of his actions. We reflect on the societal factors that enabled his schemes, from the idealistic investors who believed in his promises to the greedy opportunists who sought to profit from his lies. #YepokaYeebo #Anansi'sGold

    1 h 28 min
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À propos

An engaging monthly books podcast where members of the Afro-Caribbean Book Club discuss books they have read and sometimes talk to authors about their writing✍️.

Informations

  • Création
    the Afro-Caribbean Bookclub
  • Années d’activité
    2022 - 2026
  • Épisodes
    57
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © the Afro-Caribbean Bookclub