Today, I’m joined by the editor and Chair of Virago Press, Lennie Goodings, to discuss Lennie’s debut book, A Bite of the Apple,* which celebrates the joys of reading, writing and publishing and offers a unique look behind the scenes at an iconic feminist press.

Press the play button below to listen to our conversation:

Lennie first joined the Virago team in the late ‘70s when she was newly arrived in London from Canada, and she writes about her extraordinary career with Virago, working with authors such as Maya Angelou, Margaret Atwood, Sarah Waters and so many other remarkable women.

Lennie shares openly about the challenges Virago faced in needing to turn a profit, but at heart being a deeply ideological company. Virago was integral to bringing feminist ideas and literature to the mainstream audience, and I was fascinated to read about the rise of feminism and also how post-feminism affected publishers like Virago. 

I found A Bite of the Apple a deeply inspirational read, and it was such a privilege to talk to Lennie about her incredible career. This is the perfect episode for anyone interested in excellent literature and the world of publishing.

Links mentioned in our conversation:

• A Bite of the Apple by Lennie Goodings.

• My Ántonia by Willa Cather.

• The Transit of Venus by Shirley Hazzard.

• Fingersmith by Sarah Waters.

• Poet in the City James Baldwin event.

• The Personal History of David Copperfield film.

*Please note: affiliate links are used for Blackwells. If you order a book from Blackwells using one of my affiliate links, I may make a small commission from your purchase, at no additional cost to yourself. I like to support Blackwells by linking to their website, as I’m a big fan of their flagship Oxford bookshop, and they offer reasonable overseas shipping. You in turn support my work by shopping through my affiliate link. Thank you!