Book Shambles

Best selling science fiction author Peter F. Hamilton joins Robin and Bec in studio this week to talk about what goes into creating massive 'space opera' worlds like that of his latest book Salvation Lost. They talk about science fiction influences, which sci-fi books got turned into movies that were actually good and why Robin's local library wouldn't allow him to order a book by Eric Idle... Support the podcast by pledging at patreon.com/bookshambles for as little as $1 a month to get extended episodes and more.

In a Halloween special, comedian and author John Robertson joins Book Shambles this week to talk of his novel, The Little Town of Marrowville with Robin and Bec. Then they talk about the spooky tales of childhood books from horror anthologies to Paul Jennings and the most unsettling things in fiction... Who's that woman standing by the window? The one without any eyes... Support the podcast at patreon.com/bookshambles to get extended editions of each and every episode. 15 bonus minutes await pledgers this week.

Lemn is back for part two after a shortened first (that was actually his second) visit to Book Shambles. Robin and Lemn, with Natalie Haynes a super sub for Josie Long, carry on their conversation about 'My Name is Why' and how it has connected with readers in the wider world. All mixed in with tales of Lenny Henry, Julian Barnes and Welsh Miners Workers Libraries. Support the podcast at patreon.com/bookshambles to get extended editions of each and every episode. 10 bonus minutes await pledgers this week. Lemn will be joining Robin at the Royal Albert Hall on May 17th 2020 as part of Sea Shambles, a huge variety spectacular show along with Steve Backshall, Helen Czerski, British Sea Power, Josie Long and many more! Tickets at cosmicshambles.com/seashambles

Lemn Sissay returns to Book Shambles to chat about his bestseller 'My Name is Why' to chat with Robin and Josie. This is part one of Lemn's return because there was a travel issue, which means this episode is shorter than normal, but we've recorded a full episode with Lemn, with Robin and Natalie Haynes because the following week, Josie was away, and that'll be out next week... In the meantime enjoy this chat of poetry, Harry Potter and lost book shops... Support the podcast by pledging to patreon.com/bookshambles

Author Dan Richards' new book Outpost is all about journeying into the wilderness and finding the edges of civilisation. But Robin and Dan got very sidetracked and didn't talk about that. So go get a copy of Dan's book after you've listened to a conversation about Wind in the Willows, miscast fictional detectives, Winnie the Pooh audiobooks and Keith Moon's interactions with grandmothers... Support the podcast by pledging as little as $1 a month on Patreon at https://patreon.com/bookshambles

Robin, and returning guest co-host Natalie Haynes, are joined by astronomer and astronomy writer Colin Stuart to talk about his new book Rebel Star. They chat about what we know about the sun, and how we know it, the dangers of space weather and why Natalie has issues with both Ray Bradbury and Christopher Nolan... Support the show at patreon.com/bookshambles to hear extended episodes.

Our first ever guest on Book Shambles was Stewart Lee, and with his new book, March of the Lemmings, just released he's back in the studio this week with Robin to chat about it. Given the new book is about Brexit, there's a lot of chat about Brexit, finding the comedy in, but also talk of Steve Jones, William Blake, Marvel comics and what Robin and Stew need to do to make sure they remain members of the metropolitan liberal elite... To hear the extended edition of this, and all, episodes, support the podcast at https://patreon.com/bookshambles

Pic by Steve Ullathorne

This week it's all about the classics as Robin is joined by two classicists, Natalie Haynes and Charlotte Higgins. They chat about the best translations of The Odyssey, how much filth the monks permitted, why the classics are frowned upon as 'too high brow' and good entry points for getting into these great Greek tales. Also, spoiler alert, this episode contains spoilers for a number of works written about 3000 years ago.

Support the podcast at http://patreon.com/bookshambles to get extended editions of each and every episode. Please note: Although discussed in the context of work written in the 8th century BC, this episode does contain mentions of sexual violence and suicide.

Our guest this week was meant to be Lemn Sissay but a mix up with timings meant Robin and Josie found themselves alone in the studio for 40 minutes or so. So what better way to fill the time than catch up with what they've been reading since they last saw each other a couple of months ago! Jean Rhys, Alistair Humphreys, Shirley Jackson, Roger Deakin and more! Support the podcast by pledging at http://patreon.com/bookshambles

Renowned physicist and broadcaster Prof Jim Al-Khalili has just written his first work of fiction, the sci-fi novel Sunfall. So he joins Robin and Bec in studio to talk about what that experience was like, making sure the science is right in fiction, favourite sci-fi authors and much more. Extended edition available, as always, to Patreon supporters. Become one at https://patreon.com/bookshambles