Bookclub

Le Grand Meaulnes by Alain-Fournier was Radio 4's Classic Serial in August. The novel cast a spell over a whole generation of French readers in the twentieth century, with its romanticism, its portrayal of adolescent friendship and its evocation of pastoral France. But does it still speak to readers today? Novelist and poet Michele Roberts is our Bookclub guide to the novel with readers in Paris including teachers and students. Recorded at the studios of Radio France.

James Naughtie talks to crime writer Michael Dibdin in front of a group of readers, about his novel Blood Rain, the ninth in his Aurelio Zen series.

James Naughtie talks to Dr Oliver Sacks about The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat, a collection of case studies into neurological disorders, all written from the point of view of the Dr.

James Naughtie is joined by Sue Townsend to discuss the life of her best loved comic creation Adrian Mole.

Andrea Levy, who won last year's Orange Prize and Whitbread Prize for her novel Small Island joins readers to discuss the book.

James Naughtie is joined by American writer Richard Ford to discuss his novel, Independence Day.

Acclaimed novelist Stephen Fry discusses his book 'The Hippopotamus', exploring the satirical nature, character ambiguity, and deeper understanding of human nature. They also discuss an awkward encounter with wealth and mortality, the influence of Evelyn Waugh, language, faith, and the value of hard work. Fry reflects on the family history of refugees and the process of writing a novel.

James Naughtie talks to author Bill Bryson about his book A Short History of Nearly Everything.

James Naughtie talks to Zadie Smith about the impact of her debut novel White Teeth.

James Naughtie's guest is Carol Ann Duffy, one of the most widely read British poets, talking about her inventive and funny collection, The World's Wife.