Brit Lit Book Club

Vanessa
  • 5.0 (10)
  • BOOKS

Welcome to The Brit Lit Book Club, where we explore the stories behind the stories. Host Vanessa, founder of The Book Club Tour, takes you on literary adventures through Britain's greatest works—from Shakespeare and Austen to Dickens and the Brontës. What to Expect: Each episode dives deep into a classic British author or work, going far beyond the plot summaries you learned in school. We'll uncover how these authors challenged their societies, examine the historical forces that shaped their writing, and discover why these centuries-old books still speak to our modern world—from family expectations and social pressure to gender roles and class conflict. Explore the real Shakespeare beyond the myths. Understand why Romeo and Juliet is more about social control than romance. Discover how Jane Austen revolutionized the novel while navigating life as a single woman. Learn what Dickens revealed about Victorian poverty and why the Brontës' heroines were so scandalous. You'll Discover: Historical context that brings classic literature to lifeSurprising connections between Regency ballrooms and modern dating cultureWhy Victorian social issues mirror today's challengesThe real lives of authors who defied conventionHow to read between the lines of England's most beloved booksBook recommendations for deeper explorationTravel tips for experiencing literary England firsthand Who this podcast is for: Perfect for book club members, literature enthusiasts, Anglophiles, students, travelers planning literary pilgrimages, and anyone who suspects there's more to these classics than they were taught in school. Whether you're revisiting old favorites or discovering British literature for the first time, each episode offers fresh perspectives, thoughtful analysis, and plenty of tea.  New episodes weekly. Grab your tea and join the conversation!

  1. FEB 11

    Wuthering Heights: Everything You Need to Know Before the New Movie Comes Out This Week

    Wuthering Heights: Everything You Need to Know Before the New Movie Comes Out This Week The new Wuthering Heights movie starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi is coming soon, and whether you've read Emily Brontë's classic or not, this episode will prepare you for what you're about to see on screen. In this episode: Complete plot summary for first-time readers (or if you're not going to read the book)Emily Brontë's fascinating, tragic life—from her isolation at Haworth Parsonage to her death at 30Major themes: class, revenge, toxic relationships, nature vs. civilizationWhy Wuthering Heights is NOT a romance (and why Heathcliff is not a romantic hero)The shocking Victorian reception to this "coarse" and "brutal" novelWhy the book is so difficult to adapt to filmPast adaptations worth knowing What we know about Emerald Fennell's version and what to expectHow to prepare for the movie and what to take awayWhy this 1847 novel still matters todayVisiting the Yorkshire moors and Haworth Parsonage where Emily wroteThis is Gothic psychological drama, not a love story—come prepared for intensity, obsession, and the wild beauty of the moors. Book Recommendations: Wuthering Heights by Emily BrontëEmily Brontë: A Life by Claire HarmanThe Madwoman in the Attic by Sandra Gilbert and Susan GubarThe Complete Poems by Emily BrontëThe Brontës: Wild Genius on the Moors by Juliet BarkerWant to walk the moors where Emily wrote? Visit thebookclubtour.com for literary tours of Haworth, the Yorkshire moors, and other British literary locations. Love this podcast? Imagine walking the Yorkshire moors where the Brontës found inspiration, visiting Jane Austen's writing desk at Chawton, and exploring Shakespeare's birthplace with fellow book lovers. We do all this and more on The Book Club Tour! Follow along with our adventures, or join us! 🌐 Explore our tours: thebookclubtour.com 📸 Instagram: @thebookclubtour 👥 Facebook: @thebookclubtour

    33 min

  2. FEB 5

    Interview with Essie Fox, Author of "Catherine: A Retelling of Wuthering Heights"

    Join author Essie Fox for a haunting conversation about Catherine: A Retelling of Wuthering Heights, a Gothic reimagining of Emily Brontë's masterpiece told from Catherine Earnshaw's ghostly perspective. In this special episode of The Brit Lit Book Club, Sunday Times bestselling author Essie Fox discusses her bold new retelling of Wuthering Heights, one of British literature's most beloved Gothic novels. Catherine gives voice to the original's most enigmatic character, allowing readers to experience the Yorkshire moors, Heathcliff's obsessive love, and the dark halls of the Heights through Cathy's eyes—from beyond the grave. We explore why Essie chose Catherine's supernatural perspective, how she balanced Victorian authenticity with modern accessibility, and her deep knowledge of the Brontë sisters and Haworth Parsonage. Essie shares insights into navigating the challenges of retelling a classic, her approach to the Gothic tradition that runs through all her historical novels, and what drew her to give Catherine the voice Nelly Dean's narration couldn't provide. Whether you're a Brontë devotee, a Gothic fiction enthusiast, or curious about literary retellings, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on Wuthering Heights and the timeless appeal of Emily Brontë's dark romance. Catherine: A Retelling of Wuthering Heights publishes February 12th in the UK and April 14th in the US. You can find it on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble in the US.  Perfect for fans of: Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë, Victorian Gothic fiction, literary retellings, British classics, Yorkshire literary tourism Love this podcast? Imagine walking the Yorkshire moors where the Brontës found inspiration, visiting Jane Austen's writing desk at Chawton, and exploring Shakespeare's birthplace with fellow book lovers. We do all this and more on The Book Club Tour! Follow along with our adventures, or join us! 🌐 Explore our tours: thebookclubtour.com 📸 Instagram: @thebookclubtour 👥 Facebook: @thebookclubtour

    1h 26m

  3. JAN 29

    Beatrix Potter - Author, Illustrator, Farmer, Conservationist, Scientist

    Beatrix Potter - Author, Illustrator, Farmer, Conservationist, Scientist  Discover the untold story of Beatrix Potter—far more than just the beloved author of Peter Rabbit. In this episode, host Vanessa reveals how Potter was a pioneering scientist, savvy entrepreneur, Lake District conservationist, and one of Victorian England's most rebellious women—all while maintaining the appearance of a proper lady. Learn how Potter's scientific illustrations of fungi were dismissed by the all-male Linnean Society, leading her to redirect her genius toward children's literature. Explore how she became one of the first authors to control merchandising rights, turned The Tale of Peter Rabbit into a publishing phenomenon after initial rejection, and achieved financial independence through her creative work. We'll journey to the Lake District where Potter bought over 4,000 acres of farmland, became an expert Herdwick sheep breeder, and partnered with the National Trust to preserve England's countryside for future generations. Her working conservation model—maintaining productive farms while protecting natural beauty—continues to influence environmental policy today. From her anatomically precise watercolor illustrations to her business acumen decades ahead of her time, Beatrix Potter's legacy extends far beyond children's literature. This episode explores her scientific work, entrepreneurial spirit, conservation achievements, and the enduring appeal of her perfectly crafted books. Perfect for fans of British literature, children's book history, women's history, conservation stories, and Lake District travel. Whether you're a longtime Peter Rabbit lover or discovering Potter for the first time, you'll never see her the same way again. Recommended Books: BIOGRAPHIES & LIFE STUDIES: Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear - The definitive biography covering Potter's scientific work and conservation legacyBeatrix Potter: Artist, Storyteller and Countrywoman by Judy Taylor - Focuses on her artistic development and farming careerSCIENTIFIC WORK: Beatrix Potter's Art: Paintings and Drawings by Anne Stevenson Hobbs - Analyzes her illustration techniques and artistic developmentCONSERVATION & LAKE DISTRICT: Beatrix Potter at Home in the Lake District by Susan Denyer - Explores her relationship with the landscape and National Trust workLITERARY ANALYSIS: Beatrix Potter: Writing in Code by M. Daphne Kutzer - Explores hidden complexities and adult themes in her children's storiesHER CLASSIC TALES: The Complete Tales of Beatrix Potter - All 23 original Peter Rabbit books in one volumeEpisode Topics: Beatrix Potter biography, Peter Rabbit history, Victorian women scientists, Lake District conservation, National Trust history, children's literature classics, women entrepreneurs, Herdwick sheep farming, Hill Top Farm, British natural history illustration Love this podcast? Imagine walking the Yorkshire moors where the Brontës found inspiration, visiting Jane Austen's writing desk at Chawton, and exploring Shakespeare's birthplace with fellow book lovers. We do all this and more on The Book Club Tour! Follow along with our adventures, or join us! 🌐 Explore our tours: thebookclubtour.com 📸 Instagram: @thebookclubtour 👥 Facebook: @thebookclubtour

    18 min

  4. JAN 22

    Elizabeth Gaskell - Voice of the Working Class

    Discover Elizabeth Gaskell: Victorian Literature's Voice for Social Reform | The Brit Lit Book Club Join host Vanessa as we explore the life and revolutionary works of Elizabeth Gaskell, the Victorian author who gave voice to England's working classes during the Industrial Revolution. In this episode, we journey into 1840s Manchester—the epicenter of industrial England—to discover how a minister's wife became one of the most powerful advocates for social reform through her groundbreaking novels Mary Barton and North and South. What You'll Learn: Elizabeth Gaskell's tragic childhood and the losses that shaped her compassionate worldviewLife in industrial Manchester: the shocking reality of factory conditions, poverty, and diseaseHow Mary Barton shocked Victorian society with its sympathetic portrayal of working-class strugglesThe cultural divide between North and South England and why it still matters todayHow Gaskell used domestic fiction to tackle serious political and economic issuesWhy her approach to social reform remains relevant for understanding class and regional inequalityPerfect for: Fans of Victorian literature, historical fiction readers, anyone interested in social justice movements, and lovers of classic British novels like North and South, Cranford, and industrial fiction. Books Mentioned in This Episode: 📚 Essential Gaskell Novels: North and South by Elizabeth GaskellMary Barton by Elizabeth GaskellCranford by Elizabeth Gaskell📚 Recommended Reading: Elizabeth Gaskell: A Habit of Stories by Jenny Uglow - The definitive biographyThe Condition of the Working Class in England by Friedrich Engels - Historical context for 1840s ManchesterScheherazade in the Marketplace by Hilary M. Schor - How Victorian women writers used storytelling for social reformLooking North: Northern England and the National Imagination by Dave Russell - The cultural history of England's North-South divideExperience Literary England: Ready to walk in Elizabeth Gaskell's footsteps? Explore Manchester's industrial heritage and the beautiful Cheshire countryside that inspired Cranford on our curated literary tours. Visit thebookclubtour.com to learn more. Next Episode: Beatrix Potter - From proper Victorian lady to pioneering conservationist and beloved children's author Runtime: 18 minutes #ElizabethGaskell #VictorianLiterature #NorthandSouth #MaryBarton #BritishLiterature #ClassicBooks #IndustrialRevolution #Manchester #BookClub #LiteraryPodcast #SocialReform #VictorianEngland #BritLit #BooksWorthReading Love this podcast? Imagine walking the Yorkshire moors where the Brontës found inspiration, visiting Jane Austen's writing desk at Chawton, and exploring Shakespeare's birthplace with fellow book lovers. We do all this and more on The Book Club Tour! Follow along with our adventures, or join us! 🌐 Explore our tours: thebookclubtour.com 📸 Instagram: @thebookclubtour 👥 Facebook: @thebookclubtour

    18 min

  5. JAN 15

    Brit Lit Chit Chat with Brittney from Moms Talk Autism

    This week on the Brit Lit Book Club Podcast, I'm doing something a little different! Instead of our usual author deep-dive, I'm joined by my friend Brittney for a chatty, catch-up style episode about all the literary adventures we've been having. We're sharing all the details from Jane Austen's 250th birthday Regency party - yes, we dressed up in full Regency attire! We discuss what it's like to actually dance Regency dances, why Austen still captivates us 250 years later, and how Bridgerton has influenced modern Jane Austen celebrations. Then we're diving into the new Hamnet film - discussing Jessie Buckley's portrayal of Agnes (Shakespeare's wife), the heartbreaking story of losing young Hamnet, and how personal tragedy became art in the form of Hamlet. We talk about what the film gets right about Elizabethan family life, and the plague. Finally, Brittney shares her experience traveling on The Book Club Tour through England. From walking through Jane Austen's living room to exploring the Brontë moors, she talks about what it's really like to visit the places where your favorite British authors lived and worked - and how it changes the way you read. Book Recommendations and mentions from this podcast: Whether you're a Shakespeare fan, a Janeite, or dreaming of your own literary pilgrimage to England, this episode is for you! An Assembly Such as This by Pamela Aidan Duty and Desire by Pamela Aidan These Three Remain by Pamela Aidan Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange Love this podcast? Imagine walking the Yorkshire moors where the Brontës found inspiration, visiting Jane Austen's writing desk at Chawton, and exploring Shakespeare's birthplace with fellow book lovers. We do all this and more on The Book Club Tour! Follow along with our adventures, or join us! 🌐 Explore our tours: thebookclubtour.com 📸 Instagram: @thebookclubtour 👥 Facebook: @thebookclubtour

    49 min

  6. JAN 7

    The Importance of Performing Shakespeare - An Interview with Michael Anderson from The Happiness Playbook

    Why Performing Shakespeare Still Matters: A Conversation with Michael from Take Note Troupe Why do we still perform Shakespeare 400 years after his death? In this special interview episode (the first for The Brit Lit Book Club) we sit down with Michael, director of Take Note Troupe's Shakespeare in the Park, to explore why Shakespeare's plays remain powerfully relevant for modern audiences, especially teenagers. Discover how Shakespeare's language shaped English as we know it, why his works are better performed than read, and which plays speak most powerfully to our current moment. Michael shares insights from directing Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and other Shakespeare classics, revealing how young performers connect with centuries-old texts through Play Theory principles. In this episode, we discuss: Why Shakespeare's relatability has given his works such staying powerHow performing Shakespeare outdoors connects to the Globe Theatre traditionThe surprising ways Shakespeare influenced modern English (including the word "bedazzled"!)Which Shakespeare play is best for first-time audiencesHow improv skills help actors tackle Shakespearean languageThe Garden of Eden themes hidden in Much Ado About NothingWhy live Shakespeare performance captures meaning that reading alone cannotThe Cedar City Shakespeare Competition and what it teaches young actorsWhether you're a Shakespeare skeptic or longtime fan, this conversation will change how you think about the Bard's enduring impact on storytelling, language, and human nature. Guest: Michael hosts The Happiness Playbook podcast, where he teaches life skills through Play Theory. Subscribe to his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCE2mr6QBhXUgeoQx4HnzA?reload=9 Love this podcast? Imagine walking the Yorkshire moors where the Brontës found inspiration, visiting Jane Austen's writing desk at Chawton, and exploring Shakespeare's birthplace with fellow book lovers. We do all this and more on The Book Club Tour! Follow along with our adventures, or join us! 🌐 Explore our tours: thebookclubtour.com 📸 Instagram: @thebookclubtour 👥 Facebook: @thebookclubtour

    30 min

  7. 12/12/2025

    Christmas Through the Ages: From Shakespeare, to Austen, to Dickens

    Journey through 300 years of British Christmas traditions with The Brit Lit Book Club! Discover how Christmas was celebrated in Shakespeare's England, Jane Austen's Regency world, and Charles Dickens' Victorian era. From the twelve days of Tudor revelry and the Lord of Misrule to the quiet family gatherings of Regency drawing rooms, and finally to the Victorian Christmas that shaped our modern celebrations, explore how Britain's greatest authors lived and wrote about the holiday season. Learn about wassailing, Yule logs, plum pudding, the invention of Christmas cards, and why the Puritans actually banned Christmas in 1647. Discover how Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" transformed the holiday forever, and what Jane Austen's letters reveal about Regency festivities. Perfect for Anglophiles, book lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the origins of Christmas traditions. Whether you're planning a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon, Chawton House, or Rochester's Dickensian Christmas Festival, this episode brings British literary history to life. British literature, Christmas history, Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Victorian Christmas, Regency era, Tudor England, A Christmas Carol, literary tourism, British traditions, English literature, book club, literary travel Book Recommendations: For Shakespeare's Christmas and Tudor/Stuart Celebrations: 📚 Christmas in Shakespeare's England by Liza Picard - Wonderfully readable social history of Elizabethan Christmas celebrations For Jane Austen's Regency Christmas: 📚 Jane Austen's Christmas by Maria Hubert - Christmas references from Austen's letters and novels 📚 Christmas with Jane Austen - Edited by the Jane Austen Society 📚 What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew by Daniel Pool - Guide to 19th-century English life For Dickens and Victorian Christmas: 📚 The Man Who Invented Christmas by Les Standiford - The story behind "A Christmas Carol" 📚 Christmas: A Biography by Judith Flanders - How Christmas evolved through history For Christmas Traditions: 📚 The Battle for Christmas by Stephen Nissenbaum - British traditions and their evolution For Christmas Literature: 📚 Christmas Stories by Charles Dickens - Beyond "A Christmas Carol" Love this podcast? Imagine walking the Yorkshire moors where the Brontës found inspiration, visiting Jane Austen's writing desk at Chawton, and exploring Shakespeare's birthplace with fellow book lovers. We do all this and more on The Book Club Tour! Follow along with our adventures, or join us! 🌐 Explore our tours: thebookclubtour.com 📸 Instagram: @thebookclubtour 👥 Facebook: @thebookclubtour

    18 min

  8. 12/04/2025

    Dickens and His Illustrators - The Artists Who Drew Victorian Christmas

    Dickens and His Illustrators: The Artists Who Drew Victorian Christmas  Ever wonder who first gave visual form to Scrooge, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and Fezziwig's famous ball? Discover the fascinating world of Victorian book illustration and the artists who shaped how we visualize Dickens's most beloved stories. In this episode of The Brit Lit Book Club, we explore the crucial but often overlooked partnership between Charles Dickens and his illustrators—particularly John Leech, whose iconic images for A Christmas Carol created the visual vocabulary of Victorian Christmas that we still use today. Learn how these illustrations weren't just decorative add-ons but integral to the Victorian reading experience, serving Dickens's social reform mission and making his stories accessible to readers across all literacy levels. We'll dive into: John Leech's groundbreaking illustrations for A Christmas Carol and how they defined our image of Victorian ChristmasHow Victorian novels were published with illustrations as an essential part of the serialized reading experienceDickens's complex and sometimes contentious relationships with illustrators like "Phiz" (Hablot Knight Browne) and George CruikshankThe lasting influence of Victorian Christmas imagery on modern holiday celebrationsWhy illustrations were crucial to Dickens's work as a social reformerTo see the illustrations mentioned in this podcast, go to: https://thebookclubtour.com/dickensillustrators/Recommended Reading: If this episode inspires you to explore Victorian illustration further, here are my top recommendations: Dickens and Phiz by Michael Steig - The definitive study of Dickens's longest and most important collaboration with illustrator Hablot Knight BrowneCharles Dickens and His Original Illustrators by Jane R. Cohen - A comprehensive look at all of Dickens's illustrators and their various styles and contributionsJohn Leech and the Victorian Scene by Simon Houfe - An exploration of John Leech's work beyond Dickens, showing how he captured Victorian lifeConsumer Rites: The Buying and Selling of American Holidays by Leigh Eric Schmidt - Explores how Victorian Christmas became commercialized and standardized, with illustrations playing a key roleExperience Dickens's London: Want to walk the streets that inspired both Dickens and his illustrators? Visit the Charles Dickens Museum on Doughty Street and explore the atmospheric London locations that appear in both his writing and the illustrations that brought them to life. Learn more at thebookclubtour.com. Perfect for lovers of Victorian literature, book history, British Christmas traditions, and anyone curious about the intersection of art and literature. #Dickens #VictorianLiterature #AChristmasCarol #BookIllustration #JohnLeech #VictorianChristmas #BritishLiterature #LiteraryHistory #BookHistory #TheBritLitBookClub Love this podcast? Imagine walking the Yorkshire moors where the Brontës found inspiration, visiting Jane Austen's writing desk at Chawton, and exploring Shakespeare's birthplace with fellow book lovers. We do all this and more on The Book Club Tour! Follow along with our adventures, or join us! 🌐 Explore our tours: thebookclubtour.com 📸 Instagram: @thebookclubtour 👥 Facebook: @thebookclubtour

    27 min
See All (16)

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Brit Lit Book Club, where we explore the stories behind the stories. Host Vanessa, founder of The Book Club Tour, takes you on literary adventures through Britain's greatest works—from Shakespeare and Austen to Dickens and the Brontës. What to Expect: Each episode dives deep into a classic British author or work, going far beyond the plot summaries you learned in school. We'll uncover how these authors challenged their societies, examine the historical forces that shaped their writing, and discover why these centuries-old books still speak to our modern world—from family expectations and social pressure to gender roles and class conflict. Explore the real Shakespeare beyond the myths. Understand why Romeo and Juliet is more about social control than romance. Discover how Jane Austen revolutionized the novel while navigating life as a single woman. Learn what Dickens revealed about Victorian poverty and why the Brontës' heroines were so scandalous. You'll Discover: Historical context that brings classic literature to lifeSurprising connections between Regency ballrooms and modern dating cultureWhy Victorian social issues mirror today's challengesThe real lives of authors who defied conventionHow to read between the lines of England's most beloved booksBook recommendations for deeper explorationTravel tips for experiencing literary England firsthand Who this podcast is for: Perfect for book club members, literature enthusiasts, Anglophiles, students, travelers planning literary pilgrimages, and anyone who suspects there's more to these classics than they were taught in school. Whether you're revisiting old favorites or discovering British literature for the first time, each episode offers fresh perspectives, thoughtful analysis, and plenty of tea.  New episodes weekly. Grab your tea and join the conversation!

Information

  • Creator
    Vanessa
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Brit Lit Book Club
  • Show Website
    Brit Lit Book Club

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