Bookclub

BBC Radio 4
Bookclub

Led by James Naughtie, a group of readers talk to acclaimed authors about their best-known novels

  1. 5 JAN

    Richard Osman

    Presented by James Naughtie, BBC Bookclub speaks to the writer Richard Osman about his crime-fiction novel The Thursday Murder Club, which sold millions of copies, and has been made into a film.

    28 min

  2. 02/12/2024

    Alan Warner: Morvern Callar

    Award-winning writer Alan Warner takes questions from Radio 4's Bookclub audience about his first-person, pacey novel, Morvern Callar, which was written in 1995 when Warner was in his late twenties. Morvern is a twenty-one year old foster-child whose life takes an irreversible turn when she discovers her boyfriend's dead body. The book was later turned into a critically-acclaimed film, of the same name, in 2002.

    30 min

  3. 03/11/2024

    Carys Davies: The Mission House

    The writer Carys Davies talks to readers about her beautifully-crafted novel, The Mission House, which follows the character of Hilary Byrd, a British librarian in his fifties, who is seeking to find himself again in modern-day southern India.

    29 min

  4. 06/10/2024

    Susanna Clarke: Piranesi

    Susanna Clarke won the Women's Prize for Fiction with her novel Piranesi. She joins James Naughtie and a group of readers to answer their questions about this intriguing, tantalising novel.

    28 min

  5. 01/09/2024

    Ken Follett: A Column of Fire

    Bestselling novelist Ken Follett joins James Naughtie and readers to discuss his historical novel A Column of Fire, the third in his hugely successful Kingsbridge series. It’s a tale of spying and intrigue, as Elizabeth I battles to keep her throne in the face of fierce religious division across Europe.

    28 min

  6. 04/08/2024

    Ayobami Adebayo

    Ayobami Adebayo talks to James Naughtie and readers about her novel, Stay With Me, a moving story of loss and motherhood. Set against the backdrop of tumultuous political events in Nigeria, it tells the story of Yejide and Akin, whose marriage is childless. The novel, which is narrated by them both, explores the pressure to have a child, the toll it takes on their relationship and the profound emotional burden of desperately wanting to become a parent. Ayobami answers readers questions about the inspiration behind Stay With Me and how she inhabited the minds of her characters. Presenter: James Naughtie Producer : Nicola Holloway Next Bookclub recordings - both at 1830 in Broadcasting House, London 14 August - Ken Follett on A Column of Fire 25 September - Susanna Clarke on Piranesi

    28 min

  7. 07/07/2024

    Marlon James: A Brief History of Seven Killings

    Marlon James answers readers' questions about his award-winning novel, A Brief History of Seven Killings. The novel, which is narrated by multiple characters, opens in Jamaica in the run-up to the 1976 election. Kingston is riven by violence as competing gangs, some supported by the US government, compete for territory and control of the drugs trade. The novel is based on real events, including a planned assassination attempt on Bob Marley. Marlon James talks to readers about writing multiple characters, his approach to describing violence and how he sees the book now, ten years after publication. Forthcoming recordings at 1830 at BBC Broadcasting House in London 10 July - Ayobami Adebayo on Stay With Me 14 August - Ken Follett on A Column of Fire 25 September - Susanna Clarke on Piranesi

    28 min

  8. 02/06/2024

    Lucy Caldwell: These Days

    Celebrated novelist and short story writer Lucy Caldwell joins James Naughtie and readers to discuss These Days. Set in 1941, it focusses on the lives of two sisters living through the Belfast Blitz. Lucy talks about the inspiration for her novel, her research and writing it during the pandemic.

    28 min
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Hosts & Guests

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Led by James Naughtie, a group of readers talk to acclaimed authors about their best-known novels

Information

  • Creator
    BBC Radio 4
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2025
  • Episodes
    332
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2025
  • Show Website
    Bookclub

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