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A. S. Byatt on How Language Can Divide Us

Byatt is known by many Americans for "Possession," a Booker Prize-winning Victorian novel published here in 1990. Her most recent novel is "Babel Tower." Set in the turbulent 1960s, the book is about Frederica, a young woman involved in a divorce and custody suit, as well as the prosecution of an "obscene" book. "Babel Tower" is the third book in a planned quartet of novels set in different mid-century time frames. (Originally aired 6/6/96)

21:14
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Other segments from the episode on October 4, 1996

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, October 4, 1996: Interview with Eddi Palmieri; Interview with A.S. Byatt; Review of the film "Secrets & Lies."
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21:55

The "Madman" of Latin Music

Bandleader and pianist Eddie Palmieri. Through his first band, La Perfecta, labeled "the band with the crazy roaring elephants," Palmieri was credited with originating Latin jazz's trombone sound in New York during the sixties. He has a new CD "Vortex" by RMM Records. (Originally aired 6/20/94)

Interview
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04:16

A Dark Comedy Is Bolstered by Warmth and Optimism

Film critic John Powers reviews "Secrets and Lies," a film from director Mike Leigh. It won the top prize at this year's Cannes Film festival in May. The movie features actresses Brenda Blethyn and Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who were recently featured on Fresh Air.

Review

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31:45

A. S. Byatt Discusses Language and Her Latest Novel.

British author A.S. Byatt. Byatt is known by many Americans for "Possession," a Booker Prize-winning Victorian novel published here in 1990. Her new novel, "Babel Tower," is just hitting the bookstores (Random House). Set in the turbulent 1960s, the book is about Frederica, a young woman involved in a divorce and custody suit, as well as the prosecution of an "obscene" book. "Babel Tower" is the third book in a planned quartet of novels ("The Virgin in the Garden" and "Still Life") set in different mid-century time frames.

Interview
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34:02

British Novelist A.S. Byatt

British novelist A.S. Byatt. Her novel Possession was a bestseller, and her novella Angels & Insects was turned into an arthouse film. Byatt's new novel is The Biographers Tale (Knopf). This interview was recorded before a live audience at the Free Public Library in Philadelphia.

Interview

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Daughter of Warhol star looks back on a bohemian childhood in the Chelsea Hotel

Alexandra Auder's mother, Viva, was one of Andy Warhol's muses. Growing up in Warhol's orbit meant Auder's childhood was an unusual one. For several years, Viva, Auder and Auder's younger half-sister, Gaby Hoffmann, lived in the Chelsea Hotel in Manhattan. It was was famous for having been home to Leonard Cohen, Dylan Thomas, Virgil Thomson, and Bob Dylan, among others.

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