111 episodes
How to Eat an Elephant: A Little Book Club for Large Books The CenterForLit Podcast Network
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4.8 • 67 Ratings
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We’re taking our time as we close read and discuss bite-size portions of the literary canon’s largest books.
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HEE Watches Ridley Scott's "Napoleon" (2023)
Surprise!! We’ve got a bonus episode for you. Thus far the How to Eat an Elephant podcast has covered War and Peace and Les Misérables. Napoleon Bonaparte features heavily in both of these novels, and so we thought we’d get the crew together to watch Ridley Scott’s recent film about the notorious French Emperor and see how his take compares to those of Tolstoy and Hugo. What did we think? Well…you’ll have to listen and find out…
Our new crew member, Charlotte Andrews, also chimes in a bit in the background of this episode… ;)
P.S. We’d love to hear what you think of the film! If you decide to buy Napoleon, please consider using our affiliate link here to help support our work at CenterForLit! -
An Important Announcement!
How to Eat an Elephant will be taking a temporary break. But lest you despair: tune in to find out our plan for returning and what we’ll be doing in the meantime!
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Les Misérables: The Musical
In this episode, the HEE crew frolic about in their love for Schönberg and Boublil’s classic musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel. They compare the musical to the book and discuss the ways in which the medium of theater (and film!) allows creators to emphasize Hugo’s themes in unique ways.
Ian’s Comprehensive List of the Best “Bring Him Home” Performances:
Colm Wilkinson at the 10th Anniversary concert (my all-time favorite)
Alfie Boe at the 25th anniversary concert
Gary Morris on the complete symphonic recording
John Owen Jones
Four tenors rendition featuring Wilkinson, Boe, Jones, and another tenor I don't recognize
Current Broadway star Ramin Karimloo, who is my second favorite performer after Wilkinson
Very young Gaten Matarazzo from Stranger Things (amazing!)
Join the Facebook discussion group here!
Watch out for an announcement about what’s coming next on the HEE podcast! -
Les Misérables: Conclusion
In this episode, the HEE team takes a moment to look back and contemplate our journey through Les Misérables. We attempt a bird’s eye view of themes like the historical importance of the 19th century, the role of duty and love, Hugo’s definition of education, and his ultimate vision of hope for the miserable ones.
(We apologize for the poor sound quality in areas of this episode. Ian and Emily are rearranging their recording studio and haven’t quite gotten it fine-tuned yet.)
Join the Facebook discussion group here!
Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee -
Les Misérables: Book 5, Chapters 8-9
Today’s the day! In this episode, we discuss the conclusion to Jean Valjean’s story.
Join the Facebook discussion group here!
Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee -
Les Misérables: Book 5, Chapters 6-7
In this second to last “official” episode for Les Misérables, the HEE team discusses the idealistic joy of Marius and Cosette’s wedding as it compares to the realistic struggle of Jean Valjean’s decision to take up his real name.
Join the Facebook discussion group here!
Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
Customer Reviews
So Helpful and Fun!
This podcast helped give me confidence to take on the challenge of reading Les Miserables. It’s a book I’ve always wanted to read and the discussions in this podcast really helped me absorb the book and appreciate it in a different level. I always looked forward to the podcasts as I read each assigned section of the book. Overall, this podcast really enhanced the reading experience of this great classic!
OG Les Miz listener
I started listening to HTEAE with Les Miz and am really enjoying it. I originally read the novel in college in French, but am glad I have returned to it more years later than I care to admit in English. Can’t wait to see what book you select next!
Would love it if you joined Mastodon or Substack so I could join in the discussion (I have abandoned Facebook and Twitter and refuse to reinstall them)
Truly fun and enjoyable
I started War and Peace on my own awhile ago but haven’t brought myself to get back into it. This podcast was mentioned by someone I follow online and I immediately subscribed. I’m now refreshing my memory of the first chapters by listening to the episodes in order and it’s been so insightful, interesting, and entertaining! I live in the Caribbean where book discussions/clubs are not very prevalent and I’ve always wanted to join one. This is the next best thing! Thanks!