Francis Spufford, writer

In this intimate episode of Private Passions, writer Francis Spufford reflects on the profound influence of music, memory, and faith on his life and work. Growing up on a university campus with academic parents, Spufford found refuge in books during childhood, especially after his sister Bridget’s tragic death from a rare genetic illness. This early fragility shaped his deep appreciation for imaginative worlds, where he could escape the precariousness of reality. His literary journey began late—only at 52 did he publish his first novel, Golden Hill—after years of writing nonfiction, book reviews, and anthologies. Music plays a central role in his creative process: from the polyphony of William Byrd to Satie’s hypnotic Gymnopédies, Mozart’s clarinet concerto, and jazz masterpieces by Sidney Bechet and Duke Ellington, each piece resonates with emotional and spiritual significance. Spufford also shares his complex return to Christianity, sparked by a moment of musical revelation during a marital crisis, and his belief that doubt and faith dance together in a vital, ongoing relationship. His novels—historical fictions like Light Perpetual and Nonsuch—blend meticulous research with imaginative leaps, using the fantastical to illuminate real human experiences, especially during moments of crisis like the Blitz. He remains committed to writing stories that resonate with readers regardless of their beliefs, crafting narratives that are both deeply personal and universally accessible.