Jay McInerney - Bright Lights, Big City
American writer Jay McInerney discusses his debut novel Bright Lights, Big City, which established him as the chronicler of New York's hedonistic 1980s elite. With James Naughtie.
American writer Jay McInerney discusses his debut novel Bright Lights, Big City with James Naughtie and a group of readers.
Bright Lights, Big City not only cemented Jay McInerney as a superstar among debut novelists, but came to define the culture of 80s New York in all its gritty yet glamorous glory.
We follow the young unnamed narrator - he's 'You' throughout the book - during a whirlwind week in New York. He is bored with his job on a Manhattan magazine, wants to be a writer, and has been abandoned by his fashion-model wife. By night he roams the brightly lit streets of the city, hanging out in clubs and loft parties, powered by "Bolivian Marching Powder". By the time his crazy week is over the emptiness returns.
Presenter : James Naughtie
Interviewed guest : Jay McInerney
Producer : Dymphna Flynn
January's Bookclub choice : Capital by John Lanchester (2012).
Last on
More episodes
Previous
Clip
-
![]()
Jay McInerney: New York isn't bohemian any more
Duration: 02:22
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Presenter | James Naughtie |
| Interviewed Guest | Jay McInerney |
| Presenter | Dymphna Flynn |
Broadcasts
- Sun 4 Dec 2016 16:00成人快手 Radio 4
- Thu 8 Dec 2016 15:30成人快手 Radio 4
How many of these 100 Novels have you read?
After a passionate debate, our panel has come up with this surprising literary selection.
Bookclub at 20
Sebastian Faulks, Naomi Alderman and more select favourite editions of the programme
Sample our books and authors Clip Collection
Interviews, previews and reviews
Short stories to keep
The fiction podcast featuring the best stories from the UK's finest writers
Books
Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.
Podcast
-
![]()
Bookclub
Led by James Naughtie, readers talk to acclaimed authors about their best-known novels
