What can fiction teach us about queer history? with Charlie Porter

What happens when a generation is never given the space to grieve? Why can walking make difficult conversations easier? What can the stories of the past teach us about living differently today? And is slowing down sometimes the secret to understanding a story?

This week on Ask Penguin, Rhianna is joined by writer, critic and curator Charlie Porter to discuss Nova Scotia House, his deeply emotional first novel about queer love, community, memory and the legacy of the AIDS crisis.

Together they explore Charlie’s distinctive approach to language, why walking and breathing became fundamental to the novel, and how he created a version of London that feels familiar without ever naming it. Plus, we answer your questions and explore some of the queer literature that deserves a place on every reading list.

Explore the full list of books discussed on this episode and read the transcript by visiting: Season 2, Episode 5: Queer Literature

Send us a question: [email protected]

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast

Charlie's Nova Scotia House playlist

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