

World Book Club
BBC World Service
The world's great authors discuss their best-known novel.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 28, 2005 • 26min
Nick Hornby
Nick Hornby talks to an audience about his book about being an Arsenal football fan Fever Pitch. Presented by Harriett Gilbert.

May 9, 2005 • 27min
Vikram Seth - A Suitable Boy
Vikram Seth joins an audience of World Service listeners to discuss his novel A Suitable Boy. Presented by Harriett Gilbert. Recorded May 2005.(Photo: BBC)

Mar 26, 2005 • 27min
Ian McEwan - Atonement
Ian McEwan discusses his 20th century familiy saga about the need for atonement

Feb 19, 2005 • 27min
Zadie Smith
Zadie Smith talks to an audience about her novel 'White Teeth'. Presented by Harriett Gilbert.

Jan 25, 2005 • 27min
PD James
P.D. James joins an audience of World Service listeners to discuss her novel 'Original Sin'. Presenter: Harriett Gilbert.

Dec 12, 2004 • 24min
Paulo Coelho - The Alchemist
Writer Paulo Coelho talks about his book The Alchemist which has been translated into dozens of languages and has sold over 27 million copies worldwide. Presented by Harriett Gilbert.(Photo: Paulo Coelho, 2010)
(Credit: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Nov 4, 2004 • 27min
Kazuo Ishiguro
Kazuo Ishiguro, a prize-winning author known for his poignant works like *The Remains of the Day*, joins Harriett Gilbert to explore profound themes of memory, identity, and morality. He discusses the complex character of Stevens, reflecting on professionalism and moral accountability. Ishiguro also highlights the challenges of adapting his emotionally rich narratives for film. Additionally, he candidly shares the struggles of balancing solitude with public expectations as a modern writer, revealing the intricate dance between creativity and family life.

Sep 30, 2004 • 27min
Anita Desai - Fasting, Feasting
Anita Desai joins an audience of World Service listeners to discuss her 1999 novel 'Fasting, Feasting'. Presented by Harriett Gilbert. Broadcast in September 2004.(Photo: Anita Desai)
(Credit: Jerry Bauer)

Sep 13, 2004 • 27min
Roddy Doyle
Roddy Doyle talks about his novel The Commitments. Presented by Harriett Gilbert.

Sep 2, 2004 • 27min
Amoz Oz
Amos Oz joins an audience of World Service listeners to discuss his novel 'My Michael'. Presented by Harriett Gilbert at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.


