Tania James, LOOT, Vauhini Vara, THIS IS SALVAGED + more

We talk with Tania James about her acclaimed new novel, Loot. It’s about a boy on a quest, a girl determined to make her way in a man’s world and a mechanical construction — an automaton — that exemplifies the Indian resistance to British colonialism. Then, Vauhini Vara tells us about her new collection of stories, This Is Salvaged. And we do a mini-review of a stunning new book for gardeners, Planting for Pollinators. Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram and Threads @WritersVoicePodcast or find us on X/Twitter @WritersVoice.<br /> Read transcripts and subscribe at the Writer’s Voice Substack Love Writer’s Voice? Please rate us on your podcast app. It really helps to get the word out about our show. Key words: Tania James, Vauhini Vara, short story, fiction, pollinators, podcast, book recommendations, author interview, book podcast, book show Tania James, LOOT Tania James’ new novel LOOT is a page-turner about a boy on a quest, a girl determined to make her way in a man’s world and a mechanical construction — an automaton — that exemplifies the Indian resistance to British colonialism. Set in the waning years of the 18th century, Loot is a hero’s journey, a love story, a coming of age story, and a heist novel that traces the bloody legacy of colonialism across two continents. Beautifully written, Loot features compelling characters, a fascinating look at a little-known corner of colonial history, and a romping plot that keeps the reader guessing. Read an excerpt from Loot Vauhini Vara, <br /> Vauhini Vara is a journalist, editor, novelist, short story writer, essayist, and playwright. You might know her from her debut novel, The Immortal King Rao, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Now Vara has come out with a wonderful collection of her short stories, some of which took many years to write: This is Salvaged. An experimental artist builds an ark based on the Biblical story of Noah. A pair of teenagers seek grapple with their grief and seek intimacy as phone-sex operators. A woman tries to rise above the drunken mess of her own life to become a loving aunt. These are flawed characters that nonetheless remind