Entertaining, sharply funny, and dazzlingly accomplished, Hot Stew confronts questions about wealth and inheritance, gender and power, and the things women must do to survive in an unjust world. We spoke with author Fiona Mozley about the inspiration for Hot Stew, underground bunkers, and more!
Hot Stew
By Fiona Mozley
“With masterful prose, through over a half-dozen point-of-view characters, [Mozley] tells a story about money and power, love and art, sex work and gentrification—and those are just some of the proteins in this complex stew…Mozley writes convincingly about class and gender dynamics…Enjoyable and impressive on every page. Mozley brings Soho to clanging life.”
Steph Cha, USA Today
Please tell us a little bit about what inspired you to write this book and how this story took shape for you.
I’ve always wanted to write a multi-voice novel that brings together people from different walks of life. I’m interested in the assumptions people make about each other and the possibilities for understanding and reconciliation between seemingly oppositional groups. It also developed out of concerns about the London housing crisis and an interest in the rights of sex workers and their important role within feminism. I wanted to present a slice of London life in all its various flavours.
In two sentences or less, what’s something that might surprise Libro.fm listeners about your audiobook?
One of the characters disappears down a massive hole and spends six months living in an underground bunker.
Have you listened to your own audiobook?
I find it difficult enough to read my own work, let alone listen to it! I’ve heard clips, however, and it sounds good.
Are you an audiobook listener? What are some of your favorite audiobooks?
I love listening to long non-fiction books that I probably wouldn’t be able to stick with otherwise. I’m currently listening to Christianity by Diarmaid Macculloch. I also enjoyed Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders as both an audio book and a physical book.
What have independent bookstores and/or booksellers meant to you personally and professionally?
I used to work in one! I spent several happy years working at The Little Apple Bookshop in York. I would still be there if we hadn’t moved for my partner’s job. I love getting recommendations from booksellers.
Anything else to share with us?
Just to say that I hope your listeners enjoy the book!
Header photo by Aleksandra Maciejewska