The Secret Life of Books

S02E04 Confessions of an English Opium Eater

John Cooper Clarke, a performance poet and ex-heroin addict, delves into Thomas de Quincey's autobiographical work, Confessions of an English Opium Eater. In his exploration, Clarke uncovers how de Quincey, also a Mancunian, steers clear of the typical tropes found in contemporary 'misery-lit.' Instead, he presents a narrative that is far more unsentimental and rich in psychological depth, offering a unique perspective on addiction that stands apart from modern portrayals.