The Blitz, romance, and time-traveling fascists - Fresh Air Recap

Podcast: Fresh Air

Published: 2026-03-18

Duration: 46 min

Guests: Francis Spufford

Summary

Francis Spufford's novel 'None Such' blends historical fiction with fantasy, exploring World War II London, social constraints, and magical elements. The episode delves into the historical significance of the Blitz, the role of women during the war, and the parallels between past and current authoritarianism.

What Happened

Francis Spufford's latest novel, 'None Such', is set in London during the Blitz, a pivotal moment in British history. The story follows Iris Hawkings, a young woman navigating societal constraints while dealing with the magical threat of time-traveling fascists aiming to alter history by targeting Winston Churchill. Spufford, a latecomer to fiction writing, has previously explored themes of historical what-ifs and has a penchant for blending reality with fantasy elements. He reflects on the Blitz's mythic status and its impact on British identity, noting how it represents a point of unity and moral clarity amidst Britain's complex imperial history.

Spufford describes the resilience of Londoners during the Blitz, highlighting the stark contrast between the terror of nightly bombings and the determination to continue daily life. He links this endurance to the portrayal of the city's unearthly atmosphere in his novel, drawing parallels with the war-time writings of C.S. Lewis and the Inklings. The conversation touches on Lewis's Narnia series and the controversial exclusion of a character for embracing femininity, which Spufford addresses through his protagonist Iris.

The novel also explores the pro-fascist sentiments among Britain's upper class during the war, a historical reality that Spufford uses to enrich the narrative conflict. He connects this to contemporary issues of rising authoritarianism, suggesting that the past offers sobering lessons for the present. Spufford's depiction of Iris is inspired by his grandmother, whose adventurous spirit during her youth provides a foundation for Iris's character.

Spufford's previous work, 'Cahokia Jazz', imagines an alternate history where a thriving indigenous nation exists in America, challenging the erasure of Native American presence in history. He uses the crime novel format to explore a richly imagined world, reflecting on the integration of indigenous and European influences. His approach to writing, particularly in capturing music and sex scenes, involves a careful balance of mechanics and emotional depth to convey authenticity.

The discussion shifts to Spufford's personal life, including the impact of his sister's illness and how it influenced his escape into books as a child. This background informs his writing, particularly in 'Light Perpetual', which imagines the lives of children who died in the Blitz, echoing his reflections on loss and survivor's guilt. Spufford's journey from atheism to Christianity was sparked by an emotional experience with Mozart's clarinet concerto, leading him to explore themes of mercy and grace in his work.

Spufford's nonfiction book 'Unapologetic' defends the emotional validity of Christianity in a secular world, highlighting how faith addresses universal human needs. He contrasts his views with the New Atheist movement, emphasizing that Christianity, while not the only answer, is a profound human response to life's big questions. His wife, a reverend, plays a significant role in his spiritual journey, underscoring the personal and relational aspects of his faith.

Key Insights