In this episode of pplpod, we profile J. M. Coetzee, the South African-born novelist and linguist widely regarded as one of the most critically acclaimed authors in the English language. We trace his journey from his early days working as a computer programmer for IBM in London to becoming the first writer in history to be awarded the Booker Prize twice,.

We discuss Coetzee's austere public image and legendary reluctance to engage with fame; he famously did not collect either of his Booker Prizes in person and maintains a reputation for avoiding award ceremonies,. We also explore his 2003 Nobel Prize win, awarded for his skill in portraying the "surprising involvement of the outsider" through "innumerable guises".

Join us as we examine the key themes of his life and work, including:

• Life Under Apart ...