We had the wonderful opportunity to discuss Marilynne Robinson's Housekeeping with George Handley and to marvel all over again at the astonishing beauty of Robinson's prose. Our guest, George Handley, is a professor of humanities at Brigham Young University whose work explores the intersections of literature, religion, and the natural world. A scholar of Marilynne Robinson's writing, he has published on Housekeeping and has interviewed Robinson about her work.

Set in the fictional town of Fingerbone in northern Idaho, Housekeeping follows sisters Ruth and Lucille, who, after a series of losses, are eventually left in the care of their unconventional aunt Sylvie. As the girls grow, they begin to respond very differently to Sylvie's transient way of living and to the question of what it means to belong somewhere at all.

We weren't always in agreement about whether Ruth ultimately finds the ending, or the life, she is best suited for. But we did agree that the depth and richness of Housekeeping reward discussion, contemplation, and certainly more than one reading.

Our conversation kept returning to the idea of home: home as a place, home as the people who hold us, and home as something we inhabit within ourselves. We talked about "housekeeping" as more than the tending of a physical space. It can also be a metaphor for remaining housed within our own minds and bodies, and for what it might mean to become, in some sense, an unhoused soul.

Finally, we considered Robinson's larger spiritual vision: that whatever our mortal state, whatever has been lost, broken, displaced, or left incomplete, there is the promise of a grand completion in the Resurrection.

It was a beautiful conversation about a book that somehow becomes larger every time we return to it. If you've read Housekeeping, we hope you'll join us. And if you haven't, perhaps this is your invitation.

For additional reading by George Handley, look here

Few books have shaped Western literature more profoundly than Homer's The Odyssey. Nearly 3,000 years after it was composed, readers are still asking the same questions Homer posed: What makes a hero? What does it truly mean to find home? How much of our lives is shaped by fate, choice, and the stories we tell ourselves?

In this episode of Reality Raincheck, we're joined by ancient historian and classicist Dr. Emily Hauser for an in-depth discussion of one of history's greatest epics. Together we explore Homer's world, the remarkable staying power of The Odyssey, the challenges of translating ancient Greek into modern English, and why Emily Wilson's acclaimed translation has introduced a new generation of readers to this timeless masterpiece.

We also discuss some of the most fascinating questions surrounding The Odyssey:

• Who was Homer, and did he really write The Odyssey?
• Why is The Odyssey still taught in schools and universities around the world?
• How does Emily Wilson's translation differ from earlier translations?
• What role do Athena and the Greek gods play in Odysseus's journey?
• What does the poem teach us about heroism, family, identity, and home?
• What can modern readers still learn from an ancient epic?

One of the themes that stayed with me after this conversation is the importance of the humanities. Great literature doesn't simply entertain us—it teaches us to think carefully, wrestle with difficult ideas, understand cultures beyond our own, and appreciate the experiences of people separated from us by centuries. Those are skills worth preserving.

As colleges and universities continue to reduce or eliminate humanities programs, I believe we should make a conscious effort to support them. The study of literature, history, philosophy, languages, and the arts helps shape thoughtful, curious, compassionate people. If you believe these disciplines matter, I encourage you to learn more about organizations like the National Humanities Alliance and the work they're doing to advocate for humanities education.

If you enjoyed today's conversation, I highly recommend Dr. Hauser's bestselling book, Mythica: A New History of Homer's World, Through the Women Written Out of It. It offers a fascinating look at the women, history, archaeology, and culture that shaped the world behind The Iliad and The Odyssey.

Dr. Emily Hauser

• Website: https://www.emilyhauser.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyhauserauthor/?hl=en

Mythica (Penelope's Bones in the U.S.)

• Penelope's Bones by Emily Hauser

Support the Humanities

• National Humanities Alliance: https://nhalliance.org/

Learn how Jane Austen's bookshelf can enrich your literary journey. Explore the overlooked women writers who inspired her and why they matter today.

In this book club chat, we discuss with author Rebecca Romney the literary influences that shaped Jane Austen's work. Why had we never even heard of these marvelous writers?! You'll discover the importance of recognizing these authors and how to incorporate their works into your reading list. Join us in this conversation and understand Austen's real influencers.

About Rebecca Romney
Rebecca Romney is a rare book dealer and co-founder of Type Punch Matrix, a rare book company based in Washington, DC. She is also a specialist featured on the History Channel's *Pawn Stars* and has contributed to the documentary *The Book Sellers*. With her extensive knowledge and passion for literature, Rebecca is uniquely positioned to shed light on the forgotten voices of women in literature. Learn more about her here.

The Underappreciation of Women Writers
Many readers today may find themselves unaware of the significant contributions made by women writers in Jane Austen's time. The problem often lies in the literary canon, which has historically prioritized male authors. It's time to challenge this narrative and explore the remarkable works of writers like Frances Burney and Anne Radcliffe, who were pivotal to Austen's literary landscape.

Why Were These Writers Overlooked?
Rebecca's exploration reveals that many great female authors have been overshadowed by their male counterparts. The reasons range from societal biases to the lack of preservation of their works. As readers, we must question why these voices have been neglected and actively seek them out.

The Impact of Austen's Reading Choices
Austen's reading was diverse, and her admiration for women writers is a testament to their talent. By revisiting these books, we can gain a deeper understanding of Austen's influences and the broader context of women's writing in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Key Takeaways
- Jane Austen was influenced by a range of women writers whose works deserve recognition.
- The literary world is richer when we explore diverse voices, particularly those that have been historically marginalized.
- Engaging with these authors can enhance your understanding of classic literature and inspire contemporary discussions around gender and writing.

Conclusion
In revisiting Jane Austen's bookshelf, we not only uncover the hidden gems of women's literature but also enrich our reading experience. As readers and literary enthusiasts, it's our responsibility to explore these works and celebrate the diverse voices that have shaped literary history. So, pick up a book by Frances Burney or Anne Radcliffe and join the conversation about the essential contributions of women writers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What books should I start with to explore women writers?
Consider starting with Frances Burney's *Evelina* or Anne Radcliffe's *The Mysteries of Udolpho*. These texts provide a great entry point into the world of women's literature that influenced Austen.

Why should we read these women writers today?
Reading these authors offers a more comprehensive understanding of literary history and highlights the importance of diverse voices in literature. Their works are not only historically significant but also resonate with contemporary themes.

https://www.rebeccaromney.com/