In this "literature and life" podcast, acclaimed writer Sally Bayley lives on a narrowboat, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, sustained by reading and writing. In this series, she invites us into her life, showing us how books have the power to change your life.

Sally has recently been diagnosed with an auto-immune disease, and she shows us how literature and a connection to nature can console and give courage and insight even at the most difficult times. With the teaching and study of English Literature in steep decline in the UK, this is a passionate and urgently needed defence of the possibilities of literature to console, inspire and transform.

Each episode is accompanied by extensive "further reading" notes, encouraging listeners to delve deeper into the world of literature. Podcast produced and co-created by Andrew Smith. Visit his work here >

Reviews

"I've rarely felt so immersed in a podcast. Beautiful and profound" - Hugh Montgomery, Senior Editor, BBC Culture
"Utterly spellbinding" -  Gayle Bell, poet, Behind the Plots
“Magical. Words drip off her tongue” – Annie Skinner, Behind Closed Doors
“The podcast blew me away!! What I want to say feels like it's beyond words. Soul-feeding” – Dr Chris Laoutaris, poet, Shakespeare Institute
“I had terrible writer’s block but after listening, something melted in me and I could write again. What a jewel!” – Dr Henrietta Lang, therapist and counsellor, BACP
“Gentle, astute, quite lovely” – Galley Beggar Press
“Really wonderful to sit quietly and listen” - Bernice Barry, A Lady’s Pen
“Highly intelligent, funny and gentle” - Alice Jolly, winner V. S. Pritchett Memorial Prize
“Soothing … perfect” - Nicole Gilroy, Bodleian Library, Oxford
"A lot of inspiration in 15 minutes" - Prof. Yvonne Jewkes, Media and Crime
“Glorious" - Nathan Filer, The Shock of the Fall, Heartland
“I was so moved - that kind of deep emotion where you burst into tears without knowing why” - S.H. Thompson, Gone
“A poetic communication with nature and literature" - James Lee, Something So Precious
“Thoughtful, intimate, moving and inspiring” – Alex Lockwood, The Chernobyl Privileges
“Exquisite and compelling, with profundity and charm.” Angela Findlay, In My Grandfather’s Shadow
“Perfect to drift and dream along with” – Dr Sarah Corbett, A Perfect Mirror
"Beautiful" - Christina Patterson, The Art of Not Falling Apart
"I loved this podcast. It feels like a meditation" - Prof Helen Kennedy, Post, Mine, Repeat
“Love! I love Sally’s words! Her voice lifted me!” - Rosie Canning, Orphans and Care Experience in Literature
“Perfect if you’re after the quieter, more natural moments in life” - Rather Be Reading
"Meditational, even prayerful” - Prof Ewan Fernie, Shakespeare For Freedom
"Wise, playful, deeply moving and full of solace" - Amy Winchester, publisher
"Something beautiful!" - Prof, Angelique Richardson, After Darwin
“Superbly done” - Prof. Will May, poetry editor, Steve Smith and Authorship
“Tranquil and stimulating” - Laetitia Rutherford, literary agent
“Everyone should listen to this podcast” - Catalina Gayà Morlà, Ulysses Was A Woman
“Excellent!” – Kate Clanchy, Forward Prize-winning poet, Orwell Prize winner

Podcast recommended by Will Self, author