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

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

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

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

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

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

Johny Pitts and Roger Robinson talk about Windrush, the rise of rightwing populism – and why they both feel still hope. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

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

This podcast contains descriptions of violence which some may find distressing. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

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