Writers and Company from CBC Radio

Eleanor speaks with Chinese-American writer, Ha Jin. Winner of the National Book Award and the Pen-Faulkner Prize, Jin talks about his new novel, "The Boat Rocker"; writing in English; and why he's not able to return to China.

Eleanor speaks with Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Sharon Olds, on stage at the 2016 Vancouver Writers Festival. Olds is known for her intensely personal, emotionally scathing verse. Her new book, "Odes", is a celebration of the ordinary.

Eleanor speaks with Swedish naturalist and cultural critic, Fredrik Sjöberg. His delightful, three-volume memoir about collecting hoverflies received a 2016 "Ig Nobel" Prize - awarded to unusual achievements that make people laugh... then think.

A look at the winner of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature, Bob Dylan. Eleanor speaks with one of England's foremost critics, Christopher Ricks, on the man he regards as "the greatest living user of the English language."

From the Appalachian South and the mountains of Virginia, American author Lee Smith. Her latest novel was inspired by Zelda Fitzgerald. And she has a new memoir, “Dimestore" - about the people and places that inspired her fiction.

Eleanor speaks with Vietnamese-American author Viet Thanh Nguyen, winner of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for his debut novel, "The Sympathizer." Viet talks about his family's harrowing escape from Saigon, and how his dual identity influences his life and work.

Eleanor speaks with one of England’s greatest living poets, Alice Oswald, about combining her love of classics with her love of the natural world, and about her new book, "Falling Awake" - a finalist for the 2016 Forward Prize for Poetry.

What if the Underground Railroad really was a network of secret trains that brought runaway slaves to freedom? That's the premise of Colson Whitehead's acclaimed novel, "The Underground Railroad." He speaks with Eleanor about blending fact and fiction.

On the fifteenth anniversary of 9/11, Eleanor speaks with novelist Karan Mahajan about his powerful book, "The Association of Small Bombs." Centered around a bomb attack in a New Delhi market, the novel explores grief, politics and terrorism.

A look back at Eleanor's onstage interview with Irish writer Nuala O'Faolain in Victoria in 2003. Best known for her stunningly honest memoir "Are You Somebody", O'Faolain is as candid and as comical as ever in this hilarious conversation.

From 1991, Eleanor speaks with two unique voices: one of the most influential men in American fiction - editor, writer and teacher, Gordon Lish. Also, the witty, entertaining English travel writer, Eric Newby.

From the archives, a look back at the extraordinary, international Polish journalist, Ryszard Kapuscinski. He chronicled 20th century war and revolution - and survived four death sentences. Eleanor spoke with the master of literary reportage in 1994.

From 1995, an intimate interview with novelist Tim O'Brien. Described as "the best American writer of his generation," O'Brien writes powerful books about the Vietnam War - drawing from his own experience as a young soldier in 1969.

From Brazil, the magical world of Moacyr Scliar - author of more than 60 books, including "Max and the Cats" and "The Centaur in the Garden". In 2004, Eleanor spoke with the writer and physician about fantasy, identity, and Brazil's Jewish diaspora.

From the archives, two unique American voices. From 1993, Eleanor speaks with a master of the short story -- writer and activist, Grace Paley. And from 1994, the influential poet and essayist, Adrienne Rich.