Bookclub

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.

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.

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.

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.

Presenter: James Naughtie

Next Bookclub recordings - both at 1830 in Broadcasting House, London

14 August - Ken Follett on A Column of Fire

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.

Forthcoming recordings at 1830 at BBC Broadcasting House in London

10 July - Ayobami Adebayo on Stay With Me

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.

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

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.

Upcoming recordings at BBC Broadcasting House in London:

Wednesday 15 May at 1300: Lucy Caldwell on These Days

Thursday 6 June at 1245: Marlon James on A Brief History of Seven Killings

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.

Upcoming recordings, at BBC Broadcasting House in London:

Wednesday 24 April at 1800 - Nicholas Shakespeare on Six Minutes In May

Wednesday 15 May at 1300 - Lucy Caldwell on These Days.

Thursday 6 June at 1245 - Marlon James on A Brief History of Seven Killings

Wednesday 10 July at 1830 - Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ on Stay With Me

Email [email protected] to take part. Over 18s only.

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.

Upcoming recordings - 1830 BBC Broadcasting House in London :

26 March - Clare Chambers on Small Pleasures

Email [email protected] to take part. Over 18s only.

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.

Upcoming recordings at BBC Broadcasting House in London:

Tuesday 26 March 1830 - Clare Chambers discusses her bestselling novel, Small Pleasures.

Wednesday 24 April 1830- Nicholas Shakespeare discusses Six Minutes In May: How Churchill Unexpectedly Became Prime Minister