Notorious Virtues: Alwyn Hamilton and a 1920s Heiress Fantasy

Today on Mythmakers, we welcome author Alwyn Hamilton, who has crafted a gripping fantasy that mingles Grimm fairy tale tropes with a sleek, 1920s-inspired world on the brink of disaster. In this episode, Alwyn joins Julia Golding to discuss her path to publication and how she connects her series to build a richly expanding universe.

Together, they explore the challenges of writing with multiple points of view and reflect on what the 1920s can reveal about our own moment in time. Discover Alwyn’s recommendations for recent fantasy titles as the conversation turns to magic systems, before finally ending on a lighter note—join the debate as to which fantasy world would host the most stylish party. Tune in to see if you agree with their pick!

Discover more of Alwyn's works, and follow her social accounts, at https://www.alwynhamilton.com/

(00:04) Introduction to Alwyn Hamilton and Her Work
(03:08) Harry Potter and Shared Reading Experiences
(04:34) Removing Parents in Children’s Stories
(05:08) Introducing The Notorious Virtues
(08:00) Reversing Tropes and Exploring Adoption Narratives
(11:00) Challenging Characters Through Unfamiliar Virtues
(12:20) The 1920s Setting and Historical Influences
(14:20) Wealth, Power, and Generational Control
(18:00) Balancing Character Perspectives and Storylines
(21:00) The Bodyguards and the Cost of Loyalty
(24:30) Wealth Inequality and Social Commentary in Fantasy
(28:00) Creation Myths and Magic as Currency
(29:30) Influential Fantasy Magic Systems and Final Thoughts

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Mythmakers is the podcast for fantasy fans and creatives, brought to you by the Oxford Centre for Fantasy. In each episode, we embark on an exploration of the world of fantasy—both classic and contemporary. From the stories behind your favourite series to expert tips for aspiring writers, we dive into books, films, TV shows, and the creative process behind them.

Brought to you from the heart of Oxford—home to literary greats like J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Lewis Carroll—we continue the storytelling tradition in the very city where Narnia, Middle-earth, and even Wonderland took shape drawing on the city’s magical blend of ancient buildings, labyrinthine libraries, and gentle river meadows.

Ready to step into the Wardrobe with us into your next big adventure? Visit https://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org/ to learn more!