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Talk Write

Talk Write

By: Brandon Cook
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Excerpts and commentary on great writing

brandoncookwriter.substack.comBrandon Cook Art Literary History & Criticism
Episodes
  • Brilliant Beginnings: Ulysses

    Brilliant Beginnings: Ulysses
    Mar 10 2026

    In today’s episode, I take a look at the iconic beginning of James Joyce’s “Ulysses” and discuss what makes it so luminous. “Ulysses” is often credited with having a famous opening, but it’s worthwhile unpacking everything that Joyce is doing. How does the Irish sea symbolize a dead mother? How does he use rhythm and syntax to rhyme and pair his lines. Join me in today’s discussion!



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    20 mins
  • Brilliant Beginnings: Number9dream

    Brilliant Beginnings: Number9dream
    Mar 2 2026

    In today’s reading, I take a look at the turbocharged beginning of David Mitchell’s 2001 novel, Number9dream. Although not as highly regarded as some of his other work, Mitchell’s early novel still shows the trademarks of the master’s fireworking style: humor, clipped pacing, gorgeous details, quickcut characterization, and so much more!



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    13 mins
  • Brilliant Beginnings: Lolita

    Brilliant Beginnings: Lolita
    Feb 21 2026

    A few weeks ago, I talked about what made the beginning of Dickens’s Bleak House so outstanding. Continuing on with this theme, today I take a look at Vladimir Nabokov’s demonic fairytale, Lolita. Everybody knows its euphonic opening line (light of my life, fire of my loins) but what else is Nabokov doing here? Join me and we’ll find out together!



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    15 mins
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