Bookclub

Daniel Mason

4 oct 2026, 15:30 · 28 min

<p>Led by presenter James Naughtie, the American writer, Daniel Mason, takes questions from a Bookclub audience about his 2023 novel, North Woods.</p><p>North Woods is the story of a house and a plot of land in Massachusetts. It spans four centuries and takes in various characters, both human and animal, who find themselves, for whatever reason, encountering the space. Whether it's a young Puritan couple on the run, or an English soldier, or inseparable twin sisters or even a rampant beetle - all are connected in this very layered and beautifully rendered novel, which was named as one of the top ten books of 2023 by The New York Times.</p><p>Daniel was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2021 for his collection of short stories, A Registry of My Passage Upon the Earth.</p><p>This episode was recorded at the BBC Scotland studios in Glasgow.</p><p>Producer: Dominic Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan This was a BBC Audio Scotland production.</p>

Irvine Welsh

6 sept 2026, 15:30 · 28 min

<p>The award-winning Scottish writer Irvine Welsh speaks to Bookclub, presented by James Naughtie, about his era-defining 1993 debut, Trainspotting. Following a non-linear plot and written in Scots and Scots English, the novel is more of a collection of interconnected stories told from multiple viewpoints, all centred around a group of friends, who have become household names - Renton, Sick Boy, Spud and Begbie - as they battle, among other things, heroin addiction, poverty, and a burgeoning HIV/AIDS crisis. The novel had sold well over a million copies in the UK by the year 2015 and has been translated into thirty languages. The novel was turned into a 1996 film, often described as a modern classic, directed by Danny Boyle and starring Ewan McGregor, Jonny Lee Miller, Robert Carlyle, Ewen Bremner and Kelly Macdonald. This episode was recorded at the Edinburgh International Books Festival in August 2026. </p><p>Producer: Dominic Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan This was a BBC Audio Scotland production.</p>

Janice Hallett

2 ago 2026, 15:30 · 28 min

<p>Led by presenter James Naughtie, the award-winning writer Janice Hallett speaks to a Bookclub audience about her debut novel, The Appeal. Published in 2021 the novel -- which is presented as a series of documents, emails, messages and transcripts -- follows an amateur dramatics troupe called The Fairway Players, which is staging a rendition of Arthur Miller's, All My Sons, to raise funds for little Poppy Reswick's life-saving medical treatment. But is it possible a murderer is hiding in plain sight? </p><p>This episode of Bookclub was recorded in Broadcasting House, London.</p><p>Producer: Dominic Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan This is a BBC Audio Scotland production.</p>

Anne Sebba

5 jul 2026, 15:30 · 28 min

<p>Historian and writer Anne Sebba, speaks this month to Bookclub, presented by James Naughtie, about her award-winning biography, That Woman: The life of Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor. ‘That Woman,’ as she was referred to by the Queen Mother and other members of the Royal Family, became a hate figure for allegedly ensnaring a British king. Born in 1896 in Baltimore under the name, Bessiewallis Warfield, she had an impoverished and comparatively obscure childhood which, Anne Sebba writes, inflamed a burning desire to rise above her circumstances.</p><p>This episode was recorded at the Borders Book Festival.</p><p>Producer: Dominic Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan This was a BBC Audio Scotland production.</p>

Kirstin Innes

7 jun 2026, 15:30 · 28 min

<p>The award-winning Scottish writer, Kirstin Innes, speaks to Bookclub, presented by James Naughtie, about her second novel, Scabby Queen. The book, published in 2020, explores the life of one-hit wonder and political activist, Clio Campbell, who is found dead three days before her fifty-first birthday.</p><p>Producer: Dominic Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan This was a BBC Audio Scotland production.</p>

Nicola Barker

3 may 2026, 15:30 · 28 min

<p>Described as a book of startling originality, the writer Nicola Barker speaks to Bookclub, presented by James Naughtie, about her 838-page epic novel, Darkmans, which was published in 2007 and shortlisted for the Booker Prize that same year. Set in the town of Ashford, Kent, the novel centres around a father and son relationship - Daniel and Kane Beede - and a jester from the court of Edward IV makes his presence known in mysterious ways. </p><p>Producer: Dominic Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan This was a BBC Audio Scotland production. Author image credit: Colin Alderman</p>

Dorothy Koomson

5 abr 2026, 15:30 · 28 min

<p>Led by presenter James Naughtie, the writer Dorothy Koomson takes questions from a Bookclub audience about her 2010 novel The Ice Cream Girls. The novel follows the characters of Poppy Carlisle and Serena Gorringe who are tried for the murder of predatory schoolteacher, Marcus Hansley. Poppy is jailed, while Serena is allowed to walk free, and, among other things, the novel examines how the teenagers' experiences with Marcus have far-reaching consequences. </p><p>Described by the Independent newspaper as "one of the biggest selling black authors in Britain" Dorothy Koomson has been writing novels since she was thirteen years old. In 2022 she was a judge for the Women's Prize for Fiction. </p><p>Author image credit: Niall McDiarmid.</p><p>Producer: Dominic Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan This was a BBC Audio Scotland production.</p>

Alan Cumming on Alasdair Gray's Lanark

1 mar 2026, 16:30 · 28 min

<p>Led by James Naughtie, this special episode of Bookclub celebrates the late Alasdair Gray's 1981 masterpiece, Lanark, at the Pitlochry Winter Words Festival, with the actor Alan Cumming, who is the voice of the new audiobook recently released by Canongate. Described by the author as 'a life in four books', Lanark follows the interwoven lives of Lanark and Duncan Thaw through the disintegrating cities of Unthank and Glasgow. The book has garnered widespread praise and critical acclaim for sitting realism and surrealism side by side and for daring to be experimental. The Guardian described the novel as "one of the landmarks of twentieth century fiction" while the Times Literary Supplement said it was "profoundly perceptive about the ways in which our society is destroying itself".</p><p>This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre in February.</p><p>Producer: Dominic Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan This is a BBC Audio Scotland production.</p>

Sarah Bernstein

1 feb 2026, 16:30 · 34 min

<p>The Canadian writer Sarah Bernstein speaks to a Bookclub audience about her Booker-shortlisted 2023 novel, Study For Obedience. Published by Granta, the story follows an unnamed protagonist who is moved to a remote northern country to be a housekeeper for her brother, but as soon as she arrives a series of unfortunate events occur. The novel won the Giller prize in 2023.</p><p>Producer: Dominic Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan This was a BBC Audio Scotland production.</p>

Rónán Hession

4 ene 2026, 16:30 · 28 min

<p>Presented by James Naughtie, the Irish writer Rónán Hession takes questions from a Bookclub audience on his debut novel, Leonard and Hungry Paul. The book was shortlisted for the British Book Awards Debut Book of the Year 2020 and selected as one of the 50 Great Irish Novels of the 21st Century.</p><p>The story follows two single, board-game-loving men in their 30s, still living at home, as they navigate everyday life. It celebrates the ordinary, and the idea that we can learn from the people we might otherwise overlook.</p><p>This recording takes place in the BBC Scotland studios in Pacific Quay, Glasgow.</p><p>Producer: Dominic Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan This was a BBC Audio Scotland production.</p>

Emma Thompson: Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility

16 dic 2025, 16:30 · 36 min

<p>The award-winning actress Emma Thompson takes questions on Sense and Sensibility in this special episode of Bookclub to mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth. Sense and Sensibility was Jane Austen's first novel published in 1811 when she was thirty-five years old. The book follows the Dashwood sisters as they navigate their way through love and the threat of its loss. Marianne Dashwood wears her heart on her sleeve, and when she falls in love with the dashing but unsuitable John Willoughby she ignores her sister Elinor's warning that her impulsive behaviour leaves her open to gossip and innuendo. Meanwhile Elinor, always sensitive to social convention, is struggling to conceal her own romantic disappointment. </p><p>Emma Thompson won an Oscar for her screen adaptation of the 1995 film, of the same name, in which she played Elinor Dashwood. The film also starred Kate Winslet as Marianne Dashwood, Hugh Grant as Edward Ferrars, Alan Rickman as Colonel Brandon, and Greg Wise as John Willoughby. </p><p>This episode was recorded at Broadcasting House, London, in August.</p><p>Producer: Dominic Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan This was a BBC Audio Scotland production.</p>

Hallie Rubenhold

2 nov 2025, 16:30 · 27 min

<p>Presented by James Naughtie, the writer and historian Hallie Rubenhold takes questions from a Bookclub audience on her prize-winning book The Five: The Untold Lives Of The Women Killed by Jack The Ripper. The book shines a light on Polly Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Kate Eddowes and Mary Jane Kelly who were all murdered in Whitechapel, London, in 1888. The Five won the Ballie-Gifford Prize for non-fiction in 2019.</p><p>This episode was recorded at The Queen's Reading Room Festival at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire. </p><p>Producer: Dominic Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan</p><p>This was a BBC Audio Scotland production.</p>

John Niven

5 oct 2025, 15:30 · 29 min

<p>Led by presenter, James Naughtie, the writer John Niven speaks to Radio 4's Bookclub programme about his 2008 novel, Kill Your Friends, which is a darkly comic satire of the UK music industry, as told through the perspective of the sadistic, Steven Stelfox, an A&R executive (Artists and Repertoire) for a London record label. The year is 1997, the height of the Britpop era, and Stelfox has his eyes on promotion. </p><p>This recording takes place in the BBC Scotland studios in Glasgow, Pacific Quay.</p><p>Producer: Dominic Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan </p><p>It was a BBC Audio Scotland production.</p>

Paula Hawkins

7 sept 2025, 15:00 · 29 min

<p>Presented by James Naughtie, Radio 4's Bookclub, speaks to the writer Paula Hawkins about her debut thriller The Girl On The Train. The book was published by Doubleday in 2015 to great acclaim and has sold millions of copies. Told in the first-person the novel's protagonist is Rachel Watson, a 33-year-old divorcee with addiction issues. The book was made into film in 2016 directed by Tate Taylor and starring Emily Blunt as Rachel. This episode was recorded at the Edinburgh International Books Festival.</p><p>Producer: Dominic Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan This was a BBC Audio Scotland production.</p>

Kit de Waal

3 ago 2025, 15:00 · 28 min

<p>Presented by James Naughtie, BBC Radio 4's Bookclub, speaks to the award-winning writer Kit de Waal about her heart-rending debut novel, My Name Is Leon. Published in 2016 by Penguin it's the story of two brothers separated after one is adopted. The book, now taught on the curriculum in English schools, takes us back to 1980s Birmingham, and while brothers Leon and Jake share the same mother, Carol, their futures look very different. Jake is adopted, while Leon remains in foster care. The story follows Leon over the course of one difficult year in his life, and when he's given a bike it opens up his horizons. He often goes to the local allotments, where he meets the characters of Mr Devlin and Tufty, and sees a different slice of life.</p><p>This recording takes place at the Rare Birds Bookshop in Edinburgh.</p><p>Producer: Dominic Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan This was a BBC Audio Scotland production.</p>

Tom Holland

6 jul 2025, 15:00 · 28 min

<p>Presented by James Naughtie, Bookclub speaks to the award-winning writer, historian, and podcaster, Tom Holland, about his book Rubicon, which looks at the triumph and tragedy of the Roman Republic. Originally published in 2003, the book won the PEN Hessell-Tiltman prize for non-fiction, and it unravels the myths and realities of ancient Rome as it charts the final decades of the Republic, placing us back in a pre-Christian era, and setting in context the convulsion that began in January of 49 BC when Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon river in northern Italy en route to Rome and civil war, all in search of power. </p><p>The episode was recorded at the Topping Bookshop in Edinburgh.</p><p>Producer: Dominic Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan This was a BBC Audio Scotland production.</p>

Joanne Harris: Chocolat

1 jun 2025, 15:00 · 28 min

<p>Led by presenter James Naughtie, the writer Joanne Harris takes questions from a BBC Bookclub audience on her best-selling novel, Chocolat. Published in 1999, the book follows the character of Vianne Rocher, a chocolate-maker and sometime witch, who arrives in the village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes with her six-year-old daughter Anouk at the beginning of Lent and opens a chocolaterie opposite the church. Francis Reynaud, the local priest, disapproves of her instantly and Vianne's arrival polarizes the villagers. </p><p>The book sold over a million copies in the UK and won the Creative Freedom and Whitaker Gold awards. It was later turned into an Oscar-nominated film starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. </p><p>Producer: Dom Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan</p><p>This was a BBC Audio Scotland production.</p>

Natalie Haynes

4 may 2025, 15:00 · 28 min

<p>Led by presenter James Naughtie, a BBC Bookclub audience in Glasgow speaks to the author Natalie Haynes about her 2019 novel - A Thousand Ships - which retells the ancient Greek myths from a woman's perspective. Penelope, Clytemnestra, Andromache and Cassandra among others, all make appearances, but their stories are given a new voice and a fresh emphasis. This is the Trojan war and its impact as never seen before. The book was shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction in 2020. </p><p>Producer: Dom Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan This was a BBC Audio Scotland production.</p>

Michel Faber

6 abr 2025, 15:00 · 28 min

<p>This month BBC Radio 4's Bookclub, presented by James Naughtie, speaks to the writer Michel Faber about his debut novel, Under the Skin. Published in the year 2000 by Canongate it went on to be shortlisted for the Whitbread Award that same year. The book follows the female protagonist of Isserley who roves the A9 in the Scottish Highlands looking to pick up hitchhikers (preferably ones with big muscles). In 2013 the book was made into a film, shot in Glasgow, and directed by Jonathan Glazer. It starred Scarlett Johansson as Isserley.</p><p>Producer: Dominic Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan</p><p>This was a BBC Audio Scotland production.</p>

Christopher Brookmyre

2 mar 2025, 16:00 · 28 min

<p>This month, Bookclub, presented by James Naughtie, speaks to the author Christopher Brookmyre, as he takes questions from a live BBC audience about his debut novel, Quite Ugly One Morning. The book is a pacey crime thriller, not so much a 'whodunnit', as a 'whydunnit', and it introduces us to the wily, wise-cracking journalist Jack Parlabane - a character Chris is still writing about some thirty years later. Published in 1996, Quite Ugly One Morning, was a best-seller at the time, and the actor David Tennant read the audiobook. </p><p>Producer: Dom Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan</p><p>This was a BBC AUDIO SCOTLAND PRODUCTION.</p>

Sara Collins

2 feb 2025, 16:00 · 28 min

<p>This month, BBC Bookclub, presented by James Naughtie, speaks to the writer Sara Collins, as she takes questions from a live audience about her award-winning debut novel, The Confessions of Frannie Langton. Sara was the Costa Book Awards First Novel Winner in 2019. She has also adapted the book for television.</p><p>Producer: Dom Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan This was a BBC Audio Scotland production.</p>

Richard Osman

5 ene 2025, 16:00 · 28 min

<p>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.</p>

Alan Warner: Morvern Callar

2 dic 2024, 9:46 · 29 min

<p>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.</p><p>Producer: Dom Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan</p><p>This was a BBC Audio Scotland production.</p>

Carys Davies: The Mission House

3 nov 2024, 16:00 · 28 min

<p>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.</p>

Susanna Clarke: Piranesi

6 oct 2024, 15:45 · 27 min

<p>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.</p>

Ken Follett: A Column of Fire

1 sept 2024, 15:45 · 27 min

<p>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.</p>

Ayobami Adebayo

4 ago 2024, 15:45 · 27 min

<p>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. </p><p>Presenter: James Naughtie Producer : Nicola Holloway</p><p>Next Bookclub recordings - both at 1830 in Broadcasting House, London </p><p>14 August - Ken Follett on A Column of Fire 25 September - Susanna Clarke on Piranesi</p>

Marlon James: A Brief History of Seven Killings

7 jul 2024, 15:30 · 27 min

<p>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. </p><p>Forthcoming recordings at 1830 at BBC Broadcasting House in London </p><p>10 July - Ayobami Adebayo on Stay With Me 14 August - Ken Follett on A Column of Fire 25 September - Susanna Clarke on Piranesi</p>

Lucy Caldwell: These Days

2 jun 2024, 15:45 · 27 min

<p>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.</p><p>Lucy talks about the inspiration for her novel, her research and writing it during the pandemic.</p>

Nicholas Shakespeare: Six Minutes in May

5 may 2024, 20:33 · 27 min

<p>James Naughtie and readers quiz Nicholas Shakespeare about his book, Six Minutes In May: How Churchill Unexpectedly Became Prime Minister. It chronicles the dramatic political and military events of 1940 which led to the momentous Norway Debate and Chamberlain’s resignation. </p><p>Upcoming recordings at BBC Broadcasting House in London: </p><p>Wednesday 15 May at 1300: Lucy Caldwell on These Days </p><p>Thursday 6 June at 1245: Marlon James on A Brief History of Seven Killings</p>

Clare Chambers: Small Pleasures

7 abr 2024, 15:45 · 27 min

<p>Clare Chambers talks to James Naughtie and readers about her bestselling novel, Small Pleasures. Set in the London suburbs in the 1950s, it tells the story of Jean Swinney, a journalist who is asked to investigate a letter sent to her paper, from a mother claiming her daughter is the result of a virgin birth. Jean meets the mother, Gretchen; her husband, Howard and daughter Margaret and is drawn into their family life. Her investigations soon expand both her world, and her heart. </p><p>Upcoming recordings, at BBC Broadcasting House in London: </p><p>Wednesday 24 April at 1800 - Nicholas Shakespeare on Six Minutes In May</p><p>Wednesday 15 May at 1300 - Lucy Caldwell on These Days. </p><p>Thursday 6 June at 1245 - Marlon James on A Brief History of Seven Killings </p><p>Wednesday 10 July at 1830 - Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ on Stay With Me </p><p>Email <a href="mailto:bookclub@bbc.co.uk">bookclub@bbc.co.uk</a> to take part. Over 18s only.</p>

Ann Cleeves: Hidden Depths

3 mar 2024, 16:45 · 27 min

<p>Bookclub travels to Northumberland to meet best-selling crime writer Ann Cleeves. She joins James Naughtie and listeners to discuss her novel, Hidden Depths: Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope sets out to solve two murders which are apparently linked, although there are no clues to connect the victims.</p><p>Upcoming recordings - 1830 BBC Broadcasting House in London : </p><p>26 March - Clare Chambers on Small Pleasures 24 April - Nicholas Shakespeare on 6 Minutes In May </p><p>Email <a href="mailto:bookclub@bbc.co.uk">bookclub@bbc.co.uk</a> to take part. Over 18s only.</p>

Graeme Macrae Burnet: His Bloody Project

4 feb 2024, 16:45 · 27 min

<p>Graeme Macrae Burnet joins James Naughtie and readers to reveal the secrets behind his award-winning historical novel, His Bloody Project. Set in the Scottish Highlands in 1869, His Bloody Project explores crime, justice and retribution through the confessions of a young man accused of murder, and an account of his trial.</p><p>Upcoming recordings at BBC Broadcasting House in London: </p><p>Tuesday 26 March 1830 - Clare Chambers discusses her bestselling novel, Small Pleasures.</p><p>Wednesday 24 April 1830- Nicholas Shakespeare discusses Six Minutes In May: How Churchill Unexpectedly Became Prime Minister</p>

The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins, with Elly Griffiths

7 ene 2024, 16:45 · 27 min

<p>Marking 200 years since the birth of Wilkie Collins, crime writer, and Collins admirer, Elly Griffiths discusses one of his best known works -The Moonstone - with James Naughtie and a group of readers.</p><p>Upcoming recording </p><p>Wednesday 24th January at 1830 at BBC Broadcasting House, London: Graeme Macrae Burnet on His Bloody Project.</p>

Donal Ryan: The Spinning Heart

3 dic 2023, 16:45 · 27 min

<p>Donal Ryan discusses his book The Spinning Heart with a group of readers, It's a powerful, moving novel told through twenty one individual voices. Set in Ireland in the immediate aftermath of the Celtic Tiger 'boom' years, each character reveals how the sudden and dramatic 'bust' affected their lives. At the centre is Bobby Mahon, once a respected and reliable foreman for a building company who suddenly loses his job when the firm's owner disappears overnight. </p><p>Presenter: James Naughtie Producer: Nicola Holloway</p><p>Upcoming recordings: </p><p>13 December at 1830 at BBC Broadcasting House, London - Elly Griffiths is our guide to The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins </p><p>24 January 2024 at 1830 at BBC Broadcasting House, London - Graeme Macrae Burnet discusses His Bloody Project </p><p>Email <a href="mailto:bookclub@bbc.co.uk">bookclub@bbc.co.uk</a> to take part.</p>

Katherine Heiny: Standard Deviation

5 nov 2023, 16:45 · 27 min

<p>Katherine Heiny answers readers questions about Standard Deviation, her hilarious novel about marriage, parenting and the road not travelled. Audra is married to Graham, who is divorced from Elspeth. While Audra is sociable, loving, outspoken, tactless, kind and funny, Elspeth is contained, reserved, controlled and reticent. Despite loving Audra, Graham begins to wonder if his life should have taken a different path. Katherine Heiny reveals the real-life moments that inspired the book, her love of the funny side of life and why she can never pass up on writing a good joke. </p><p>Upcoming recordings at BBC Broadcasting House, London </p><p>Wednesday 15 November at 1300 - Donal Ryan on The Spinning Heart</p><p>Wednesday 13 December at 1830 - Elly Griffiths is our guide to The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins</p><p>Email <a href="mailto:bookclub@bbc.co.uk">bookclub@bbc.co.uk</a> to take part.</p>

Bernardine Evaristo: Mr Loverman

1 oct 2023, 15:45 · 27 min

<p>Bernardine Evaristo joins James Naughtie and readers to discuss Mr Loverman, her 2013 novel about Barrington Walker, a married man with a secret life. Ever since his teens in Antigua, Barry has been in love with Morris and despite both men moving to London, marrying and having children, their love affair has never faltered. Now he’s in his seventies, Barry decides it’s time to tell the truth. It’s a funny, poetic, moving novel about love, family, prejudice and forgiveness.</p><p>Upcoming recordings, all at BBC Broadcasting House in London: </p><p>Thursday 12 October at midday - Katherine Heiny on Standard Deviation</p><p>Wednesday 15 November at 1300 - Donal Ryan on The Spinning Heart </p><p>Wednesday 13 December at 1830 - Crime Writer Elly Griffiths is our guide to The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins</p><p>Email <a href="mailto:bookclub@bbc.co.uk">bookclub@bbc.co.uk</a> to take part.</p>

Denise Mina: The Long Drop

3 sept 2023, 15:45 · 27 min

<p>James Naughtie is joined by Denise Mina to talk about her book The Long Drop. This intriguing true-crime story is set in 1950s Glasgow when notorious serial killer Peter Manuel spread fear throughout the city. The Long Drop alternates between Manuel's trial and a extraordinary night he spent with Glaswegian businessman William Watt, whose own family Peter Manuel was suspected of killing. Despite this, the two men form an unlikely alliance and tour the bars and dives of Glasgow together. </p><p>Recorded at The Portobello Bookshop in Edinburgh.</p><p>Upcoming recordings at BBC Broadcasting House in London: </p><p>21 September at 1300 - Bernardine Evaristo on Mr Loverman</p><p>12 October at 1200 noon - Katherine Heiny on Standard Deviation. </p><p>Email <a href="mailto:bookclub@bbc.co.uk">bookclub@bbc.co.uk</a> to take part</p>

Mick Herron: Slow Horses

6 ago 2023, 15:45 · 27 min

<p>Mick Herron answers readers' questions about his novel, Slow Horses, the first in his hugely popular Slough House series. In it we meet the 'Slow Horses’ for the first time; failed spies who instead of being pensioned off, find themselves working in Slough House, near the Barbican in London. Here, they carry out menial administrative tasks of little or no importance, led by their offensive, vulgar boss Jackson Lamb. In this novel, the Slow Horses find themselves unexpectedly at the centre of the action. </p><p>Our next recordings: </p><p>Thursday 17th August: Denise Mina on her novel The Long Drop. 7pm at The Portobello Bookshop, Portobello, Edinburgh. (Free tickets are available via the Bookshop's website)</p><p>At BBC Broadcasting House, London: </p><p>Thursday 21 September at 1300 - Bernardine Evaristo on Mr Loverman</p><p>Thursday 12 October at 1200 noon - Katherine Heiny on Standard Deviation. </p><p>Email <a href="mailto:bookclub@bbc.co.uk">bookclub@bbc.co.uk</a> to take part</p>

Julian Barnes: Arthur and George

2 jul 2023, 15:45 · 27 min

<p>To mark our 25th anniversary, Julian Barnes returns to Bookclub. He’s answering readers' questions about his Booker-shortlisted novel Arthur and George. It's based on real events and tells the story of Arthur Conan Doyle’s campaign to overturn the conviction of a young solicitor, George Edalji,</p><p>Upcoming recording:</p><p>Thursday 13 July 1830 at BBC Broadcasting House in London - Mick Herron on Slow Horses.</p><p>Thursday 17 August 1900 at The Portobello Bookshop in Edinburgh - Jenni Fagan on Luckenbooth</p>