52: William Golding: A Literary Colossus

In this episode of the Slightly Foxed podcast, Rosie Goldsmith hosts a panel discussion with Gail Perkis and Steph Allen, along with special guests Judy Golding, daughter of William Golding, and Tim Kendall, a Golding expert, to delve into the life and works of the acclaimed author, William Golding. The panel explores Golding's West Country roots, the influence of the sea on his writing, and the impact of novels like "Lord of the Flies," "The Inheritors," and "The Spire." They discuss Golding's writing process, his relationship with his editor, Charles Monteith, and the themes of morality, self-discovery, and the human condition prevalent in his novels. The episode also touches on Golding's later life, his environmental concerns, and his diverse reading tastes, concluding with recommendations for which Golding novels should be included in school curriculums. Gail and Steph then provide their recommended reads: Gerald Brennan's "South from Granada," Robert Harris' "Precipice," and Penelope Lively's "Passing On."