A Good Read

Open Book on the majesty of trees with Richard Powers, Melissa Harrison and Jessica J Lee

A special edition exploring book criticism and asking whether using critical tools can make us better readers. Mariella Frostrup is joined on stage at the Edinburgh International Book Festival by critic Alan Taylor, book podcast host Books&Rhymes, novelists Kaite Welsh and Sarah Moss, and Sarah Dillon from Cambridge University to explore the current state of book reviewing, the explosion of conversations about books online and on social media, the role of the professional reviewer and whether we can all learn useful critical tools to help us read well, and enrich our reading experience.

Claire Fuller discusses her new novel, Bitter Orange and Neil Gaiman on Hope Mirrlees

Daisy Johnson, The literary appeal of the Fens, Book festival etiquette

Mariella Frostrup and guests consider what makes them such popular fictional locations.

Actor Anne-Marie Duff and writer Louise O’Neill join Harriett Gilbert to discuss their favourite books by Maggie O’Farrell, Sally Rooney and Angela Carter.

I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O’Farrell.

Conversations With Friends by Sally Rooney.

Nights At The Circus by Angela Carter.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2018.

Daisy Johnson and Stella Tillyard on the inspiration of the Fens and literary festivals.

Journalist and broadcaster Samira Ahmed and comedian Elis James join Harriett Gilbert to discuss favourite books by Arnold Bennett, Dylan Thomas and Daniyal Mueenuddin.

In Other Rooms, Other Wonders by Daniyal Mueenuddin

The Card by Arnold Bennett

Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog by Dylan Thomas

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2018.

Michael Donker on his debut novel and Jackie Kay on how poet Audrey Lorde inspired her.

Writer and actress, Isy Suttie and comedian, Lolly Adefope join Harriett Gilbert to discuss their favourite books by Ottessa Moshfegh, Meg Wolitzer and Carol Ann Duffy.

Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh

The Wife by Meg Wolitzer

Meantime by Carol Ann Duffy

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2018.