Inklings Book Club

Recorded at Gothenburg Book Fair, I interviewed Swedish ICON Fredrik Backman about his newest book, My Friends -- a book that almost never was. Fredrik Backman is the author of EIGHT bestselling novels, including the Beartown trilogy, Anxious People, and A Man Called Ove. Thumbnail photography image credit: Natalie Greppi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Coin marks the arrival of a striking new voice to the literary landscape. Yasmin Zaher’s irreverent debut is as shocking as it is stunning, as bonkers as it is beautiful. The Dylan Thomas Prize winning novel is full of big ideas, but without ever moralising, as our unnamed narrator navigates the squalor of New York City, after leaving Palestine. Grimy city streets provide a backdrop for an evisceration of modern culture, from politicians and the media to religion and war. Our jeering narrator gets involved in a scheme buying and selling Bikrin Bags. It’s tongue-in-cheek, outrageous, and rude, but so much fun to read. She is unruly and unfiltered, resisting adherence to hegemony, and a total riot. Join the book club on Fable: https://fable.sng.link/Ali7l/5kmb/rnxe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fyodor Dostoevsky's White Nights became the fourth biggest selling translated book in the UK last year, so I wanted to speak to someone very familiar with the text. Bridgerton's Luke Thompson happens to be a Dostoevsky superfan just like me, and narrated the new audiobook version, so is well acquainted with the story. We sat down at Penguin's offices in London to chat about the book and Luke's taste as a reader. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coco Mellors is the author of two novels, and her love of her craft is just infectious. Her debut, Cleopatra and Frankenstein exploded onto the literary scene in 2022, documenting one couple’s impulsive marriage in New York City and the ripple effect it has on their close circle of friends. Everyone is reading and loving this book, even Carrie Bradshaw who is spotted reading it one scene in And Just Like That. Truly, the highest literary honour. Coco’s second novel, Blue Sisters, was published in 2024. It’s about three sisters who reconnect in their childhood home after their fourth sister has sadly passed away. It takes place across London, New York, Paris, and LA, and tackles themes of grief, sisterhood, and addiction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The bestselling author of six novels, including One Day, Us, and You Are Here, David Nicholls shares his tips for writing, reading, and adapting. David has been one of my favourite writers for as long as I can remember. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oisín McKenna, an Irish author celebrated for his debut novel, Evenings and Weekends, shares insights into crafting a vivid love story set amidst London's sweltering heatwave. He discusses the unique challenges of developing a diverse cast of characters and the emotional complexities of relationships. The conversation touches on themes of identity, the impact of class on individual lives, and the art of pacing in storytelling. Plus, the fascinating inclusion of a whale stuck in the Thames adds a humorous twist to the narrative!