A conversation with two masters of fiction. Moss’ latest novel is the pandemic-inspired The Fell, and Hall’s Burntcoat was also written in lockdown, focusing on the story of two new lovers confined. They discuss their new works and reflect on the role of fiction in challenging times.

Moss’ previous books include a memoir of her year living in Iceland, Names for the Sea, and novels Summerwater, Cold Earth, Night Waking, Bodies of Light, Signs for Lost Children, The Tidal Zone and Ghost Wall.

Hall has written five novels and three short-story collections. Twice nominated for the Man Booker Prize, she is currently the only author to be four times shortlisted for the BBC National Short Story Award, which she won in 2013 with Mrs Fox and in 2020 with The Grotesques.

Toby Lichtig is assistant editor at the Times Literary Supplement (TLS)