Rachel Cockerell, author of "Melting Point"

In today’s episode I have the pleasure of speaking with Rachel Cockerell, a London-based author, whose first foray into writing began as a family memoir, and evolved into a remarkable and innovative work of historical non-fiction called Melting Point.

Melting Point is a great 2024 release from Headline, and will be coming out in Spring of 2025 in the States. The book was longlisted for the 2024 Baillie Gifford Prize, and explores the origins of the Zionist movement, and one of its particular, little-known chapters – the Galveston Plan. 

Most interestingly, perhaps, is the structure – it’s a polyphonic blend of primary sources and texts, which she splices to build a story arc. The book is an absolutely fascinating read that touches on identity, belonging, and the search for a place to call home. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and would strongly recommend it.

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Rachel Cockerell’s four books were:

• Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert (2015)
• Lincoln in the Bardo, George Saunders (2017)
• The Old Ways, Robert Macfarlane (2012)
• Golden Hill, Francis Spufford (2016)