And in the context of that moment, this idea of the monster sort of emerged. I started sort of thinking about this problem in maybe 2014 or 2015, and then came the kind of big reckoning we had at the end of 2017. So how did you come to define monster for this book?ĭEDERER: Yeah, I think that was a really challenging part early in the process. RASCOE: Well, so, you know, there are examples of so many people in this book, and you do caution against equivalencies. Thank you for coming on the show.ĬLAIRE DEDERER: Thank you for having me. It's all part of Claire Dederer's new book called 'Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma'. And it's not all men - think some Harry Potter fans distress over J.K. It's a question that continues to trouble her as she tracks more examples, like Kanye West. RASCOE: What do we do with the art of monstrous men? - asked writer Claire Dederer in an essay back in 2017, amid the Harvey Weinstein revelations and #MeToo movement. The child wanted chocolate cake for breakfast. And I think what we got on our hands is a dead shark.īILL COSBY: And I looked, and there was chocolate cake.

You know, it has to constantly move forward or it dies.

WOODY ALLEN: (As Alvy Singer) A relationship, I think is like a shark. Or you want to watch Woody Allen's 'Annie Hall'. (SOUNDBITE OF MICHAEL JACKSON SONG, 'DON'T STOP 'TIL YOU GET ENOUGH') For now though, rather than talk of the merits of this tree, let’s enjoy it’s spring time colour.Is it OK to enjoy art if its creator is compromised? Maybe you love Michael Jackson's music. Indeed Sycamore have thrived here on the island but with careful management we have found it really rather useful. Its’ winged seeds have helped it spread across the country where it grows fast and can dominate woodland. Many conservationists disapprove of sycamore – mainly as it’s an introduced species. One tree that I have learnt to appreciate is the sycamore. This is a great time to watch the unfurling of the fresh buds and leaves. Then the draft of speedy cars seems to help spread the seed along the road.Īt the other end of the plant scale are the island’s trees. It’s also famous for being seen along motorway central reservations – not quite so picturesque! It grows well there due to the salting/gritting of the roads in winter. As it’s very tolerant of salt the plant is found in dense swathes along the island’s coast. It was used to help sailors on long journeys ward off the disease. The leaves are full of Vitamin C – a deficiency of which causes the affliction of scurvy. It is in fact a crucifer – a group of plants with 4 flower petals arranged in a cross pattern. Scurvy - not word that you would automatically associate with a pretty white-mauve flower, nor is it a grass.

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