Series 2: Episode One
Paul Theroux
The American novelist and travel writer Paul Theroux discusses his latest book, Burma Sahib — and describes a life spent on the move from the Marshwood Vale to Myanmar, from Malawi to Mexico.
Released 06.02.25
The Conversation
In this bonus-length episode, the American writer Paul Theroux discusses his latest novel, Burma Sahib, inspired by the young George Orwell’s years working in Burma. In a daring exploration of this exalted literary figure, Paul lays bare the hypocrisies and cruelties of British imperial rule — a point of view compellingly distilled by Orwell’s famous short story, ‘Shooting an Elephant’.
In a far-reaching conversation that touches on authors ranging from Gustave Flaubert to Saul Bellow, Sophy and Paul consider the evolution of travel writing, and the profound impact of spoken memories. Paul also talks about his friendship — and frustrations — with Bruce Chatwin.
‘I think if you are writer, I think it's to your advantage if you come clean. Who are you? What are you doing? What's your story? Stop hiding. Stop pretending’, says Paul.
Now in his eighties, Paul discusses how you can understand a writer not only by reading their work, but knowing what they read. This gives the episode a longer reading list than usual, ranging from Doris Lessing to Ryan Murdock.
Elephant image: Ken Kochey.
Books Discussed:
Paul Theroux
— The Great Railway Bazaar
— Riding the Iron Rooster: By Train Through China
— The Mosquito Coast
— Burma Sahib
— The Black House
— Saint Jack
— Ghost Train to the Eastern Star: On the Tracks of The Great Railway Bazaar
— On the Plain of Snakes: A Mexican Journey
— The Vanishing Point
— Mr. Bones: Twenty Stories
George Orwell
— Burmese Days
— Shooting an Elephant and Other Essays
— The Road to Wigan Pier
— Down and Out in Paris and London
— Keep the Aspidistra Flying
— A Clergyman’s Daughter
— Coming Up for Air
— Animal Farm
E.M. Forster, A Passage to India
Doris Lessing, Under my Skin
Ernest Hemingway, Green Hills of Africa
Ryan Murdock, A Sunny Place for Shady People
Bruce Chatwin, The Viceroy of Ouidah
Patrick White, Riders in the Chariot
André Gide, The Counterfeiters
Gustave Flaubert, A Simple Heart
Films Discussed:
Werner Herzog, ‘Nomad: In the Footsteps of Bruce Chatwin’
You can order these books from John Sandoe Books here.
