Moms Don't Have Time To Read Books | Podcast with Guest Plum Sykes

In this podcast, Plum Sykes discusses her latest novel "Wives Like Us," a social satire set in the English countryside. The story revolves around the lives of glamorous women and their pursuit of social status, as seen through the eyes of an executive butler. Sykes shares her inspiration, writing process, and the intricate details involved in crafting ensemble scenes. She also reflects on her career, mentors, and the impact of her experiences at Vogue on her writing.
New York Times Article on Executive Butlers
www.nytimes.co...
Highlights
Setting and Theme: "Wives Like Us" is a comedy of manners set in the English countryside, focusing on social climbing and the quest for status.
Central Characters: The story is told through the perspective of Ian, the butler, highlighting the dynamics between him and his employer, Mrs. Hawkins.
Writing Process: Sykes emphasizes the complexity of writing ensemble scenes, requiring meticulous planning and character placement.
Career Influence: Her work at Vogue, particularly under the mentorship of Anna Wintour, greatly influenced her writing style and observational skills.
Future Projects: Sykes hints at a potential trilogy and expresses interest in adapting her work for television or film, albeit with some reservations.
Top Quotes
"It's a comedy of manners... seen through the eyes of the executive butler Ian, who we meet when the book opens."
"I think that the English countryside was being invaded by very, very glamorous women... it's about what's happened to the English countryside."
"The connection between the reader and the author is a sort of invisible, incredible thing that happens between two people who've never met."
"Anna Wintour was my mentor... without someone like that to say, you can do this, you may not do it."