Makenna Goodman’s novel “Helen of Nowhere” was longlisted for the 2026 Booker Prize. The book follows a disgraced professor as he visits a country house with a realtor who tells him about its mysterious former owner, Helen. As he becomes increasingly fascinated by Helen's alternative way of life, the ordinary house viewing turns into something much stranger and more psychologically charged. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Makenna about the novel’s themes and why the book is open to interpretation. Spoiler alert at the 25:12 mark. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.
Makenna Goodman’s novel “Helen of Nowhere” was longlisted for the 2026 Booker Prize.
The book follows a disgraced professor as he visits a country house with a realtor who tells him about its mysterious former owner, Helen. As he becomes increasingly fascinated by Helen's alternative way of life, the ordinary house viewing turns into something much stranger and more psychologically charged.
Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Makenna about the novel’s themes and why the book is open to interpretation.
Spoiler alert at the 25:12 mark.
This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.