Let Them Eat Books

Let Them Eat Books Episode 31: Christmas Special Hallaca

Colin and Claire taste the traditional Venezuelan Christmas dish of Hallaca from La Bodega in the East End of Glasgow, and share texts from Adriana Bertorelli Párraga, José Rafael Pocaterra, Edwin Morgan, Tori Derricote, Ange Mlinko and Diane Suess. Merry Christmas from your favourite foodie elves!  

Let Them Eat Books: Episode 30: Christmas Drinks

Claire and Colin indulge in a hearty round of wassailing in this exploration of christmas drinks. From Mulled Cider flavoured Tea, via Mulled Wine to Eggnog and the Snowball, this episode is enough to leave you needing a wee lie down. Writers discussed include: Charles Dickens, Robert Herrick, Lorrie Moore, Carmen Maria Machado and Christopher Todd Matthews. And from drams to Am Dram, don’t miss Colin’s one-man version of A Christmas Carol! 

Let Them Eat Books Episode 29: Stollen

Colin and Claire discuss the classic Dresdener Stollen, a Christmas Classic! Focusing on the German children's author Agnes Sapper, the episode also gives quite a lot of details of the history of this favourite festive treat! 

Let Them Eat Books Episode 28: Brussels Sprouts

Colin and Claire talk about Brussels Sprouts on today’s show in the first of three festive specials including reference to Emily Berry and Don Lee. 

Let Them Eat Books Episode 27: Mizeria and Sour Cucumber & Rye Soup

Clare and Colin visit Happy Meal Polish cafe in Glasgow and taste Mizeria Salad and Sour Cucumber and Rye Soups. They also talk about Bona Sforza and read two poems by Wisława Szymborska. 

Let Them Eat Books Episode 26: Pickles

Claire and Colin clamber out of the briny jars that keep them perfectly preserved to discuss the tangy crunchy sweet sour delight of Pickles! Focusing on Meagan Jennett’s novel You Know Her and John Tobias’ poem ‘Reflections on a Gift of Watermelon Pickle Received from a Friend Called Felicity’. 

Let Them Eat Books Episode 25 The Side Dish: Forfar Bridie

An iconic Scottish pie! The Forfar Bridie is a legendary delicacy of the north east and Claire and Colin visit Forfar to watch Forfar Athletic, eat Bridies and talk about a diverse selection of authors: J M Barrie, David Kinloch, J B Salmond and many more! 

Let Them Eat Books Episode 24: Mince

Grinding meaty literature with their usual brand of conversation, Colin and Claire discuss James Kelman and Agnes Owens in this episode which really might be certifiably mince! 

Let Them Eat Books Episode 23: Halloween Special with Louise Welsh

Recorded the morning after a night of Halloween shenanigans with Special Guest Louise Welsh, this episode delves into Scottish Halloween traditions, Ghost, an anthology of ghost stories edited by Louise, Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti and food in Louise’s own Cutting Room series. 

Let Them Eat Books Episode 22: Pumpkin Special

Claire Reynolds and Colin Herd are joined by “Colin” the Pumpkin and a merry gang of assorted squashes and possibly a spirit or two as well, to dook for apples and discuss Pumpkin-related literature by authors including Theresa Muñoz, Leland James, Ann Beattie, Richard Brautigan, Sonia Sanchez and Ann Patchett.