Books Undone Podcast By Livia J. Elliot cover art

Books Undone

Books Undone

By: Livia J. Elliot
Listen for free

A literary analysis podcast, centred in speculative fiction.

Some books are more than a simple story. They hide timeless themes and allegories full of meaning that are always worth discussing—but doing so requires dedication and keen eye for details. Join Australia-based author Livia J. Elliot as she conducts literary and thematic analyses of speculative and literary fiction to find what lays beyond the plot, decipher their invisible meaning, and reflect on their symbolism. If you are a fan of fantasy or sci-fi books, new or old, traditional or self-published, this is the show for you!

Be mindful. Books Undone contains spoilers for the books discussed, which vary in each episode.

2023
Art Literary History & Criticism
Episodes
  • Language Makes Horror Bearable: The Linguistics Behind Tender is The Flesh
    May 13 2026

    Tender Is The Flesh is not simply the vegan allegory some readers assume it to be. The horror here serves a more unsettling purpose: it shows the power of language. Like Marcos himself said in the book: "Words carry the weight necessary to mold us, to suppress all questioning."

    Today's episode discusses how can language make violence palatable, and why does it reshape ethics and morality.

    Find the transcript and citations: https://liviajelliot.substack,com

    Show more Show less
    40 mins
  • Scarcity Makes Status: What Dune and Blade Runner Reveal About Prestige
    Apr 15 2026

    What do Blade Runner and Dune have in common?

    Both revolve around the same mechanism: scarcity creates demand, and demand turns possession into prestige... but here is the twist.

    Prestige is not just about wealth, because status only emerges when wealth is tied to something else: an ethical meaning. In this episode we'll explore one unique possibility: what if prestige requires morality?

    Full transcript (and links): https://liviajelliot.substack.com

    Show more Show less
    39 mins
  • A Feint Within A Feint, Within A Feint: Destiny and Deception in Dune ~ Guests Talk 15
    Mar 18 2026

    In this discussion, we dive into the layered deceptions of Dune — a “feint within a feint within a feint.” We explore whether free will can survive foreknowledge, how cycles shape history, and whether heroes are truly liberators… or traps. We also ask a bold question: is religion a belief system, or a technology engineered for power?

    My guests: K.D. Marchesi, Sarah K. Balstrup, and Henry Nielsen.

    My Substack: https://liviajelliot.substack.com

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 7 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_c
No reviews yet