Strangers
Writer AL Kennedy reveals why, despite her existential fear of them, she has taken to hugging the odd stranger in the street.
Acclaimed writer A L Kennedy muses on the hell that is other people, kicking off with strangers.
In Jean Paul Sartre's Play 'No Exit' one character declares, 'L'Enfer - c'est les autres' - hell is other people, and A L Kennedy has found herself very much behind this idea. As someone so unable to deal with other people that she works at home, making up imaginary friends, who even then don't always behave, she admits to not necessarily being the best person to dish out advice on relationships. However, in this series she wonders whether she's perhaps been a little harsh when it comes to 'other people'.
Today, she reveals why, despite being a solitary novelist with an existential fear of strangers, she has found herself hugging the odd one in the street.
Written and read by A L Kennedy, the award-winning novelist, dramatist and broadcaster.
Producer: Justine Willett.
Last on
More episodes
Previous
You are at the first episode
Broadcasts
- Mon 25 Jan 2016 22:45大象传媒 Radio 3
- Mon 5 Jun 2017 22:45大象传媒 Radio 3
Death in Trieste
A 1760s murder still informs ideas about aesthetics, a certain sort of sex, and death.
Watch: My Deaf World
Five compelling experiences of what it is like to be deaf in 21st-century Britain.
The Book that Changed Me
Five figures from the arts and science introduce books that changed their lives and work.
Download The Essay
Download all the episodes from the series and listen at your leisure.
Podcast
-
![]()
The Essay
Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.
