Our wrap up of 2023 continues. Today, we have podcast pointers from Emily West and Richard Blakemore, telly tips from Jacqui Turner, and reading recs from Apurba Chatterjee.

Emily West, Professor of American History

I enjoy listening to The Last Best Hope podcasts from the Rothermere American Institute in Oxford which are run by an amazing friend of mine. I learn so much about all aspects of American history, including those I don’t research or teach myself.

I’m looking forward to final season of The Crown on Netflix — though the reviews have been savage!

Jacqui Turner, Associate Professor in Modern History

I must admit I have just enjoyed ITV’s The Long Shadow that re-presented the Peter Sutcliffe murders from the perspective of the women and acknowledged the impact of the misogyny of the police investigation. As it said in the programme, it ‘made them colour’ rather than the black and white images of ‘good and bad girls’ and ‘victims’.

The break is all about Strictly Come Dancing for me.

Apurba Chatterjee, Wellcome Humanities and Social Science Postdoctoral Fellow

I love reading! I often tend to read more than two books at the same time, and try to choose books in different languages. One of the books I am currently reading is a collection of short stories by famous Bengali author, Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay. These stories narrate the experiences of Taranath Tantrik, who aims to be an expert on Tantra, but fails to master it completely. In the West, Tantra is often associated quite narrowly with eroticism, but the reality is far more complex. Taranath discusses these issues with his two friends as the Second World War rages. I am enjoying this book as this turns our attention away from big events of it’s times, to a world that is familiar even when approached through esotericism.

Over the break, I’m hoping to work through the large pile of books next to my bed: I would like to read Toni Morrison’s Beloved next.

Richard Blakemore, Associate Professor in the History of the Atlantic World

I’ve been enjoying Banjo! Or other music – mostly folk, blues, and jazz. Some of these genres are (vaguely) connected to my research in some ways (think ballads and sea shanties…), but really I have just always loved listening to and playing music. There’s a great podcast called Strong Songs where the presenter takes well-known tunes and explains about the music, composition, recording etc. I find that fascinating.

All comments and opinions presented in this article are that of the author.

We have made every effort to abide by UK copyright law but in the instance of any mislabelling of images, please contact the author of the blog post