Bookclub

James Naughtie talks to one of South America's leading writers Mario Vargas Llosa, about his remarkable novel Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter.

Acclaimed novelist Kazuo Ishiguro joins a group of readers to discuss his novel 'The Remains of the Day', exploring themes of duty, dignity, and understanding. They examine the character of Stevens and how readers initially dislike him but come to sympathize with his journey. The concept of dignity is explored, along with the unique restraint of English butlers. The hosts and Ishiguro delve into the themes, narrative techniques, and intentions behind the novel, drawing parallels between Stevens' loyalty and traditional Japanese attributes. They also discuss Stevens' journey towards expressing his true feelings and the gap between his perception of himself and how others see him.

James Naughtie and a studio audience meet Rose Tremain to discuss her winner of the 1999 Whitbread Novel award about 17th century Denmark, Music and Silence.

James Naughtie and a studio audience talk to acclaimed writer J G Ballard about his classic Second World War novel Empire of the Sun.

James Naughtie and a group of readers meet bestselling Edinburgh crime writer Ian Rankin in Inspector Rebus' favourite watering hole The Oxford Bar to talk about two of his novels: Knots and Crosses and The Falls.

James Naughtie and a studio audience meet novelist Nick Hornby to discuss About A Boy; his insight into laddishness, masculine wish-fulfilment, fear and love.

James Naughtie and a studio audience meet prize-winning novelist Helen Dunmore to discuss her compelling novel of maternal passions and sisterly intrigue, Talking to the Dead.

James Naughtie and a group of listeners celebrate National Poetry week by looking at the work of Wendy Cope, one of Britain's most popular poets. With readings of some of her best known poems.

A group of readers join James Naughtie to talk to the Nobel Prize-winning author Doris Lessing about her first novel The Grass is Singing.

Martin Amis is this month's guest on Bookclub to discuss his acclaimed novel London Fields with a small group of readers and presenter James Naughtie.