Jessie Burton discusses The Miniaturist, her debut novel which was the subject of a bidding war between 11 publishers at the 2013 London Book Fair. Set in Amsterdam in 1686–87, the novel was inspired by Petronella Oortman's doll's house which is on display at the Rijksmuseum. Jessie explains how she created her own fictional version of Nella Oortman for the novel.  At the age of 18, Nella marries a rich merchant, Johannes Brandt, hoping for love and prosperity. Instead, she enters a world of tensions, secrets and mystery which soon threatens her future.  Johannes gives his new wife an extraordinary wedding gift: a miniature replica of their home. As the enigmatic craftswoman delivers more and more miniatures for the cabinet house, its tiny occupants start to mirror their real-life counterparts in unexpected ways. Presented by James Naughtie and recorded with a group of invited readers. Presenter : James Naughtie
Interviewed guest : Jessie Burton
Producer : Dymphna Flynn February's Bookclub choice : Falling Awake by Alice Oswald

Jessie Burton - The Miniaturist

Led by James Naughtie, a group of readers talk to acclaimed authors about their best-known novels

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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 bookclub@bbc.co.uk to take part. Over 18s only.

Clare Chambers: Small Pleasures

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 
24 April - Nicholas Shakespeare on 6 Minutes In May  Email bookclub@bbc.co.uk  to take part.  Over 18s only.

Ann Cleeves: Hidden Depths

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

Graeme Macrae Burnet: His Bloody Project

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. Upcoming recording  Wednesday 24th January at 1830 at BBC Broadcasting House, London: Graeme Macrae Burnet on His Bloody Project.

The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins,  with Elly Griffiths

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.  Presenter: James Naughtie
Producer: Nicola Holloway Upcoming recordings:   13 December at 1830 at  BBC Broadcasting House, London - Elly Griffiths is our guide to The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins  24 January 2024 at 1830 at BBC Broadcasting House, London  - Graeme Macrae Burnet discusses His Bloody Project  Email bookclub@bbc.co.uk to take part.

Jessie Burton - The Miniaturist

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