Michael Bracewell & Leo Robson: The Smiths
Michael Bracewell & Leo Robson: The Smiths  
Podcast: London Review Bookshop Podcast
Published On: Sat Aug 15 2026
Description: In Michael Bracewell’s new novella The Smiths an anonymous narrator recounts the impact of the iconic pop group on his life. Accompanied by the French actress Carole Bouquet he embarks on a picaresque journey from the old Selfridge Hotel to West Hollywood, via a park bench in Cavendish Square. Deeply romantic and laced with comedy - not unlike the band themselves – The Smiths is an affectionate celebration of a pivotal episode in popular music history. The author read from his work, and discussed it with the novelist and journalist Leo Robson. You can buy a copy of The Smiths from the London Review Bookshop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices