The Penguin Podcast

Join us as we dive into the world of crime, thrillers, and mysteries! We answer your listener questions with award-winning author Kate Atkinson and publicist Alison Barrow. Plus, Kate discusses her brand-new Jackson Brodie novel, Death at the Sign of the Rook. Get ready for some killer reads!Books and authors mentioned in this episode:Death at the Sign of the Rook by Kate AtkinsonThe Secret History by Donna TarttThe Cloisters by Katie HayesGone, Baby, Gone by Dennis LehaneThe Thursday Murder Club series by Richard OsmanThe Blue Hour by Paula HawkinsCharles Paris series by Simon BrettYellow Face by Rebecca F.KuangHelen FieldsGone Girl by Gillian FlynnThe Christmas Appeal by Janice HallettFor the full list of books and transcript visit: Episode 5: Crime and MysteriesSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Looking for a book that will keep you up at night? If you enjoy that tingling sensation down your spine while reading something on the spookier side then you're in the right place. In this episode, we explore the best horror and ghost stories perfect for Halloween. Alongside filling your book pile with terrifying but page-turning recommendations, we sit down with Booker-shortlisted author, Daisy Johnson to talk about her new collection of ghost stories, The Hotel. Books and authors mentioned in this episode:The Hotel by Daisy JohnsonHeads Will Roll by Josh WinningThe Night House by Jo NesboThe Terror by Dan SimmonsFor the full list of books plus transcript visit: Episode 4: Scary readsSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a book a classic? Who decided which books make it into the canon? And how long would it take to read the entire list? Join our exploration through our Classic bookshelves with author Henry Eliot who answers listener questions with reading recommendations from all eras. Plus, we delve into the world of Jane Austen with Gill Hornby, whose novel Miss Austen is being adapted into a four-part drama by the BBC.Books and authors mentioned in this episode:The Penguin Classics Book by Henry EliotThe Penguin Modern Classics Book by Henry EliotMiss Austen by Gill HornbyFor the full list of recommended reads visit: Episode 3: ClassicsSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcastFollow Henry's substack by clicking here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining us in our book-filled studio is broadcaster and author Zeinab Badawi, who shares her journey chronicling Africa's spectacular history through the voices of African historians, archaeologists, and local storytellers. Plus, we put your reading requests to award-winning author Derek Owusu to top up your reading pile with books by Black authors to celebrate Black History Month. Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Explore all the books discussed and a transcript by visiting: Episode 2: Black History MonthWebsite: www.penguin.co.uk/podcastBooks mentioned in this episode: Noughts and Crosses by Malorie BlackmanGiovanni's Room by James BaldwinThat Reminds Me by Derek OwusuHomegoing by Yaa GyasiAn African History of Africa by Zainab BadawiThe Confessions of Franny Langton by Sara CollinsBlack Cake by Charmaine WilkersonThe Lonely Londoners by Sam SelvonGhana Must Go by Teiye SelassieThe Terrible by Yrsa Daley-Ward Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sara Collins, an award-winning author and Booker Prize judge, leads a fascinating discussion alongside industry experts Toye Oladini, Hannah Westland, and Simon Prosser. They share insights into the rigorous judging process of the Booker Prize and the emotional connections judges develop with the submissions. The challenges of subjective selection and the joys of literary debates are explored. Listeners also get book recommendations highlighting notable works that reflect the impact of literary awards on a writer's journey.

The Penguin Podcast is returning with a brand-new series called Ask Penguin. In each episode, we will take you inside Penguin Books to meet some of the incredible authors we publish as well as the people who work here, to get answers to all of your book-related questions.Need help finding your next page-turning read? Are you curious to know what a day in the life of an editor is like? Or perhaps why a small, aquatic, flightless bird became the iconic emblem that adorns Penguin books worldwide? The new series launches on Thursday 3rd October, where we'll be discussing prize-winning novels with award-winning author, and this year's Booker Prize judge, Sara Collins, and provide you with plenty of book recommendations with Publishing Director Simon Prosser. Send us your questions for a chance to be featured by emailing: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Don't forget to follow the show, so you never miss an episode!Find out more: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jane Fallon, Chris van Tulleken, Julian Barnes, and David Mitchell talk about revenge, unique writing labels, the healing power of a pear tree, the importance of fun in work, Wembley Stadium arc memories, living in Northwest London, and the death of King Harold of Hastings.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by national treasure and bestselling author, Sebastian Faulks.Together they they discuss the tweet that helped inspire his latest book, The Seventh Son, his thoughts on imposter Syndrome and humility, the influence of George Orwell on his political outlook, and a magical riverbank he discovered in France. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by Booker Longlisted author, C Pam Zhang.Together they discuss Zhang's latest novel, The Land of Milk and Honey, as well as the effects of extreme wealth on the human psyche, the place of pleasure and joy in human existence, the many expectations still placed upon women, and the literary benefits of being a marginalised writer.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by one of our time's most important moral philosophers and animal rights activists, Peter Singer.In this episode, they discuss Singer's experience of animal rights in the 70s compared to now, what inspired him to begin campaigning for the rights of animals, the importance of suffering in determining rights, and his views on the rise of veganism.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.