In this first “Read With Me” episode, I’m sharing reflections on I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman, a haunting, deeply philosophical dystopian novel that unexpectedly became one of the most meaningful books I’ve read recently.

I read this during the winter solstice season on the Isle of Lewis, and despite rarely reading dystopian fiction, I found myself profoundly moved by the novel’s exploration of uncertainty, loneliness, curiosity, resilience, and human connection.

In this episode, I explore:

• reading as a nervous system experience
• suspense and anxiety in fiction
• existential literature in approachable ways
• how imagining “the worst case scenario” can sometimes reduce fear
• the resilience of ritual, companionship, and curiosity

Here is the link to the free Creative Grief Club, which includes monthly Zoom sessions and the book group on Fable: ⁠⁠https://griefmagic.com/free/⁠⁠

Thanks for listening!

Love,

Yarrow