Bookclub

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.

Booker prize winner Pat Barker joins James Naughtie to discuss Regeneration, her novel about the impact of the First World War on a variety of characters including poet Siegfried Sassoon.

Will Self talks to James Naughtie and readers about his novel How The Dead Live.

James Naughtie speaks to author Paul Auster about the novellas in his New York Trilogy and their themes of identity, mystery and ambiguity.

James Naughtie and a group of readers are joined by Muriel Spark to discuss her novel The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.

James Naughtie presents a special interview with Terry Pratchett to talk about Mort, his fourth installment of the Discworld series.

James Naughtie presents a book discussion as Minette Walters talks with readers about her new novel The Scold's Bridle.