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Episodes from The Book Club
A Month in the Country: Is This the Greatest Novella Ever Written?
How did the First World War affect the British soldier survivors? Is this pastoral novella one of the UK's best books? How did J L Carr's Yorkshire upbringing impact the setting and tone of the story? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the…
Lord Of The Flies: Survival Of The Fittest
How did William Golding’s experience in WW2 inspire Lord Of The Flies? Why was the novel initially rejected by publisher? And, what does it say it about the fragile nature of society? Download the Klarna app to stay on top of your money, so you can think about, well, anything else. Join Dominic…
Lolita: Nabokov’s Twisted Masterpiece ?
Who is Vladimir Nabokov? Why is Lolita so controversial? And, what was the reaction to its publication? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the story behind Lolita, and the novel itself. Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com For analysis, book recommendations and more,…
Rebecca: Daphne du Maurier’s Gothic Epic
How did Daphne du Maurier use her own experience to write the chilling events of Rebecca? Who is the sinister Mrs Danvers? And, what really happened to Rebecca? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of Rebecca, the world it was born…
Hemingway’s Spanish Civil War: For Whom The Bell Tolls
How did the Spanish Civil War inspire one of Ernest Hemingway’s greatest novels? Why was Hemingway so captivated by Spain? And, were the characters of For Whom The Bell Tolls inspired by real people? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the context behind Hemingway's…
Brave New World: The Dystopia That Came True?
How does Aldous Huxley satirise roaring twenties America? Is a Brave New World more realistic than 1984? And, what is the novel's Shakespearean connection? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of Brave New World, and the novel itself.…
Mafia and Mystery: Is ‘My Brilliant Friend’ the Greatest Novel of the Century?
What does My Brilliant Friend tell us about the dark underbelly of Italian society after the Second World War? Who is the mysterious Elena Ferrante? And, how did she craft a heartbreaking parable of escape and love? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story…
The Thirty-Nine Steps: The First James Bond
How did the First World War inspire The 39 Steps? Why did John Buchan set the novel in Scotland? And, is the dashing protagonist Richard Hannay, a model for later Spy heroes? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of The 39 Steps, and…
Jane Austen, Nazis and Murder: The Ultimate Summer Reading List
Which books should you take on your summer holiday? How have some of Dominic and Tabby’s favourite destinations shaped these novels? And, what makes a summer classic? Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com For analysis, book recommendations and more, sign up to our newsletter, Book Club Notes,…
The Odyssey Retold: Circe, Monsters and Myth
How does Madeline Miller re-work Greek mythology to explore women’s experience? Is Circe the best fantasy novel of the 2010s? And, why do we remain captivated by the world of ancient Greece? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of…
The Leopard: The Greatest Historical Novel Ever Written?
How did Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s family story shape his only novel, The Leopard? Why is The Leopard considered an Italian masterpiece? And, who is the sexiest man ever written? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of The…
The Wind In The Willows: How A Bedtime Story Became a Classic
How did Kenneth Grahame come up with the idea for The Wind In The Willows? Why was the novel initially rejected by publishers? And, what character would Tabby and Dominic be? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of The Wind In The…