Books Podcast
A weekly podcast, presented by editor of Guardian books Claire Armitstead, for author interviews, readings and discussions - plus a full recording of our monthly book club.
Is freedom of speech a 'toxic myth'? Plus the top 100 books since 2000 – books podcast
Journalist Nesrine Malik talks about her book We Need New Stories and we discuss the Guardian’s top 100 books of the 21st century. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
From Blair to Cameron: what makes a good political memoir? – books podcast
On this week’s show, we look at the history of political memoirs, and speak to fantasy author Brian Catling and Weil sibling biographer Karen Olsson. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
'I felt a huge grief': the challenges of writing about trauma – books podcast
On this week’s show, we talk to Laura Cumming and Rhik Samadder about their memoirs, take a look at the Booker shortlist and give a verdict on Margaret Atwood’s The Testaments. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Salman Rushdie on retelling Don Quixote in Quichotte – books podcast
In this week’s show, Rushdie talks about his Booker-nominated novel and we discuss the best literary road trips. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Elif Shafak on Turkey's treatment of novelists – books podcast
The Turkish author talks about 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World, her new, Booker prize-longlisted novel. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Does 'the English canon' still shape what we read? – books podcast
Writers including Penelope Lively, Caryl Philips, Howard Jacobson and Yomi Sode explore how this idea has changed over time. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
My friend, the fake German heiress: a true crime special – books podcast
Rachel DeLoache Williams recalls her time with hoaxer Anna Sorokin in My Friend Anna and we rank the best true crime books. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
How we can learn to stop worrying and love language – books podcast
David Shariatmadari reveals how English is evolving – or in Jacob Rees-Mogg’s case, refusing to – and Cecelia Watson shares her passion for the semicolon. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Lisa Taddeo on sex and desire in Three Women – books podcast
This week, Taddeo discusses her bestseller about the intimate lives of women, and we take a look at the 2019 Booker prize longlist. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Ocean Vuong and the new Great American Novel - books podcast
On this week’s show, we speak to the poet about his debut novel On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous and discuss the evolution of the Great American Novel. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Iris Murdoch at 100 and Howard Jacobson on humour and shame – books podcast
On this week’s show, we talk to Jacobson about his new novel, and discuss the compelling career of Murdoch. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Intolerance is rising in Europe, but can writers find hope? – books podcast
with Johny Pitts and Roger Robinson. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Tracy K Smith on the place of poetry in modern America – books podcast
The outgoing US poet laureate talks about her career, and we chat about the work of Alice Oswald, the new Oxford professor of poetry. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Bernadine Evaristo and Lene Wold – books podcast
This podcast contains descriptions of violence which some may find distressing. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
What is it like being a refugee? with Pajtim Statovci and Dina Nayeri – books podcast
For Refugee Week, two writers discuss their experiences as asylum seekers and the challenges facing refugees around the world. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Women's prize winner Tayari Jones and Sandra Newman – books podcast
On this week’s show, we meet the author of An American Marriage fresh from her win, and speak to Newman about her time-travelling novel The Heavens. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Hay festival special with Pat Barker, John Lanchester, Max Porter and more – books podcast
Claire and Sian bring you some of the highlights from the annual books festival held in the Welsh town of Hay-on-Wye. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Inside the world of trauma cleaners – books podcast
Sarah Krasnostein talks about her biography The Trauma Cleaner and we remember children’s author Judith Kerr. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
The life of Alexander von Humboldt, plus foraging for food – books podcast
On this week’s show, Andrea Wulf shares her new graphic novel biography of Alexander von Humboldt and professional forager John Wright takes us on a hunt for wild food in London. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
'You can't sustain a career on shocking people': is Bret Easton Ellis genuine? – books podcast
The American Psycho author talks about the reactions to his first book in 10 years, and we discuss the UK’s new poet laureate, Simon Armitage. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod