Jessie Burton and Katy Hessel

Jessie Burton and Katy Hessel

From Book Off! by Book Off!

April 9, 2026 · 55 min · Season 15 · Episode 6

About this episode

Jessie Burton and Katy Hessel discuss art, literature, and their personal experiences with Joe Haddow.

Jessie Burton and Katy Hessel join Joe Haddow for a war of the words. They discuss great women artists, mudlarking, the influence of family histories, museums and galleries, getting children interested in art and finding a writing voice. Katy and Jessie also recommend some brilliant books - including 'The Wreck' by Lizzy Stewart (graphic novel) and 'The Artist' by Lucy Steeds (novel) THE BOOK OFF 'What I Loved' by Siri Hustvedt VS 'The Lonely City' by Olivia Laing And here is a little more info on each of our guests books! 'Hidden Treasure' by Jessie Burton From the bestselling author of  The Miniaturist . Jessie Burton's  Hidden Treasure  is the phenomenal page-turning story of two children whose lives collide when they find an ancient treasure with the power to return to them the most precious thing they have ever lost For the people who live on the banks of the Thames, the river is a living, breathing thing. It can take your treasures. It can hide your treasures. And, sometimes, it can give them back. Bo and Billy are two children who have never met. Billy is an orphan. Bo’s dad died when she was small and now her brother is off to war. Both children are poor…

People in this episode

Host: Joe Haddow

Guests: Jessie Burton, Katy Hessel

Topics covered

  • women artists
  • art education
  • family history
  • writing voice
  • book recommendations

Keywords

  • Jessie Burton
  • Katy Hessel
  • art
  • books
  • writing
  • family history
  • children's literature

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Hidden Treasure

Books & works: The Wreck, The Artist, What I Loved, The Lonely City, The Miniaturist

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