In this week’s Books podcast, I am joined by the writer Daniel Tammet, whose new book Nine Minds: Inner Lives on the Spectrum is a pen portrait of nine lives of people on the autism spectrum. On the podcast, he tells me how he happened upon these nine lives, whether ‘spectrum’ is a helpful term when understanding autism and Asperger’s syndrome, and how popular culture’s most famous depiction of autism – Dustin Hoffman’s Rain Man – is based on an individual who wasn’t autistic at all.

Over the weekend, the rebels from the Syrian opposition claimed Damascus and president Assad had fled to Russia. Keir Starmer has welcomed the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s barbaric regime in Syria and called for civilians to be protested after rebel forces took control of Damascus. Freddy Gray speaks to Michael Weiss, an editor at The Insider, and Owen Matthews, writer and historian. They discuss how this story could develop on the international stage, whether this is the reinvention of the Arab Spring, and what is left of Iran, now that several of its proxies have been destroyed. 

Demetri Sevastopulo, US-China correspondent for the Financial Times, and Oriana Skylar Mastro, a Stanford expert on the Chinese military, delve into the implications of Xi Jinping's recent military purges. They discuss whether these actions signify a struggle against corruption or preparations for conflict, particularly regarding Taiwan. Additionally, they explore the effectiveness of Xi's military reforms since 2015, comparing China's readiness with Japan's historical military performance, while assessing the overarching geopolitical tensions.

Robert Hardman, a trusted biographer of King Charles III, discusses the monarch's evolving religious beliefs amidst health challenges. The King finds solace in a deepened Christian faith, embracing his title ‘Defender of the Faith’ while exploring Orthodox traditions. In contrast, Prince William's secular views pose questions about his future role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England. The conversation weaves through themes of spirituality, personal struggles, and the balance of tradition with modern beliefs in the royal family.

Sean Thomas explores the possibility of a demilitarized zone in Ukraine, weighing its implications and the quest for peace. Matthew Parris passionately argues against proportional representation, emphasizing the need for decisive governance. Meanwhile, Adrian Dannatt reveals insights from his fresh art exhibition, while Philip Hensher shares a comedic tale about his charming Turkish barber, sparking reflections on friendships built during simple indulgences.

Liam Booth-Smith, former chief of staff to Rishi Sunak, shares insider insights from Number 10, revealing the dynamics of leadership during political turmoil. He discusses the critical Sunak–Johnson leadership battle, the timing of elections, and offers a fresh perspective on Rishi’s challenging campaign. Booth-Smith also touches on the impact of polling data and the complexities of governing amidst public demands. His anecdotes and reflections provide a unique look at the pressures and realities of modern political leadership.

Gareth Roberts, author of "World War Twee," critiques the rise of twee culture in Britain, arguing it distracts from serious issues and leads to a tragic trivialization of society. Former 1922 Committee chair Graham Brady reflects on his influential role in British politics, discussing the challenges and absurdities he faced alongside party dynamics. Lastly, the conversation takes a festive turn as they debate the merits of pigs in blankets, sharing humorous anecdotes and creative culinary twists on this beloved holiday dish.

In this discussion, Jonathan Coe, an acclaimed author known for his innovative storytelling, shares insights about his new novel, The Proof of My Innocence, which reflects on Liz Truss's short premiership. He delves into the charm of cosy crime and the intricate relationship between nostalgia and literature. The conversation highlights the complexities of satire, the unpredictability of an author's legacy, and the art of crafting compelling murder mysteries. Coe also explores the playful experimentation in fiction, showcasing the myriad ways literature can resonate with contemporary themes.

In this chat, Richard Madeley, a seasoned presenter and journalist, shares delightful stories from his childhood, including a fondness for Heinz tomato soup and his mother's unique tuna casserole. He humorously argues for fish paste as the ultimate comfort food. Richard also reflects on the challenges of maintaining a healthy diet while working early morning shifts in broadcasting. With a mix of nostalgia and humor, he dives into how family meals shaped his culinary tastes and career in journalism.

Katy Balls, a political commentator known for her sharp insights, joins the discussion to dissect the government's upcoming major policy speech. The conversation covers the risks and rewards of setting public targets amid a fluctuating political climate. They explore the delicate balance of communication and governance as the government aims to regain public trust before local elections. Additionally, they speculate on Elon Musk's potential financial backing for Nigel Farage and its ramifications on the UK's political scene.