In this episode of The French Reader, Sophia returns with a selection of literary reflections, sharing five captivating reads that have shaped her recent weeks. From the haunting reimagining of Charlotte Brontë’s legacy in Martina Devlin’s Charlotte, to the surreal tension of fate and choice in Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Suicide Club, she guides us through stories filled with longing, mystery, grief, and human complexity.

The themes explored are legacy, destiny, and the fragile beauty of human connection, reminding us why literature remains the most intimate of companions.

Books mentioned:

- Charlotte by Martina Devlin (2024)

- The Suicide Club by Robert Louis Stevenson (1882)

- Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors (2024)

- The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki (English translation 2024)

- Barcelona by Mary Costello (2024)

In this episode of The French Reader, Sophia explores the life of Kristen Pfaff, based on the incredible work of Guy Mankowski and Jason Pfaff, featured on their Substack, I Know How To Live: The Life of Kristen Pfaff (https://iknowhowtolive.substack.com/).

Exploring Kristen’s rebellious spirit, feminist ideals, and creative brilliance, Sophia reflects on the legacy of a woman whose sharp intellect and unyielding curiosity continue to inspire.

In this episode of The French Reader, Sophia kicks off the new year with a return to her literary adventures. Sharing her latest literary haul, featuring Anne Bronte, Naomi Klein, Senan Molony, Alan Hollinghurst, Dermot C. Miller and Mai Mochizuki.

Providing summaries, personal reflections and insights into why these books sparked her interest and how 2025 will be a year of quality reading.