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Bookclub

BBC Radio 4
A Column Of Fire
The Mission House
Standard Deviation
The Girl On the Train
Piranesi
India
Hidden Depths
His Bloody Project
Hindu Nationalism
Elizabeth I
Mary Queen Of Scots
Kingsbridge
Spain
France
Protestantism
Espionage
British Colonialism
Vladimir Putin
Second World War
The Spinning Heart

Led by James Naughtie, a group of readers talk to acclaimed authors about their best-known novels

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes352Founded14 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Society & Culture

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Latest Episodes

Led by presenter James Naughtie, the award-winning writer Janice Hallett speaks to a Bookclub audience about her debut novel, The Appeal. Published in 2021 the novel -- which is presented as a series of documents, emails, messages and transcripts -- ... more

Historian and writer Anne Sebba, speaks this month to Bookclub, presented by James Naughtie, about her award-winning biography, That Woman: The life of Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor. ‘That Woman,’ as she was referred to by the Queen Mother a... more

The award-winning Scottish writer, Kirstin Innes, speaks to Bookclub, presented by James Naughtie, about her second novel, Scabby Queen. The book, published in 2020, explores the life of one-hit wonder and political activist, Clio Campbell, who is fo... more

Described as a book of startling originality, the writer Nicola Barker speaks to Bookclub, presented by James Naughtie, about her 838-page epic novel, Darkmans, which was published in 2007 and shortlisted for the Booker Prize that same year. Set in t... more

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Janice Hallett
Author of The Appeal
Author, The Appeal
Episode: Janice Hallett
Anne Sebba
Award-winning biographer
Author
Episode: Anne Sebba
Kirstin Innes
Award-winning writer
Author of Scabby Queen
Episode: Kirstin Innes
Nicola Barker
Author of Darkmans
Author
Episode: Nicola Barker
Dorothy Koomson
Author of The Ice Cream Girls
Author
Episode: Dorothy Koomson
Alan Cumming
Actor and narrator; guide to Lanark on Bookclub
Episode: Alan Cumming on Alasdair Gray's Lanark
Sarah Bernstein
Acclaimed author and winner of the Giller Prize
Episode: Sarah Bernstein
Hallie Rubenhold
Author of "The Five" and historian focusing on women's lives in Victorian England
Episode: Hallie Rubenhold
Natalie Haynes
Award-winning writer and author of A Thousand Ships
Episode: Natalie Haynes

Host

James Naughtie
Host of Bookclub

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 905 ratings
  • Pin up

    James is a thinking woman’s pin up. Thoughtful, funny and so well read!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Sad in Oz
    Australia3 years ago
  • Love this podcast

    I love this book podcast which I first discovered on BBC sounds app keep it coming I look forward to each episode and the range and diversity of the books featured 💛📚

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    A Mardel
    United Kingdom3 years ago
  • Fantastic show for bookworms

    James is an increadible hosts and usues this great podcast to showcase wonderful authors and their amazing books

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Emma | Podcast Connection
    South Africa4 years ago
  • Very interesting podcast !

    I really enjoy listening to you podcast . Many very interesting stories and discussions about new books . Still is very surprising to me why you never cover or discuss in your book club podcast- the books of British writer Peter Grainger ,he is a author of many books

    of the crime and mystery series. In my opinion he is the best British mystery writer in the past decade! Maybe you should read his latest book-“Missing Pieces “ and cover this book on your podcast?! Keep up good work, warm regards ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    minigoofy2011
    United States5 years ago
  • Delightful

    This podcast has expanded my reading choices and allowed me to be part of a book club without the actual ordeal of joining a book club! It has given me many joy filled hours.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Trinitori
    United Kingdom5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The show is well-produced and engaging, though some listeners feel the host occasionally interrupts.
Listeners appreciate the thoughtful, book-centered conversations and the host's insightful questions.
Guests and topics are varied, offering broad literary exposure and interesting perspectives.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#160
Italy/Society & Culture
Apple Podcasts
#222
Argentina/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#36
Argentina/Society & Culture
Apple Podcasts
#204
New Zealand/Society & Culture
Apple Podcasts
#209
Hong Kong/Society & Culture
Apple Podcasts
#220
Brazil/Society & Culture

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Janice Hallett
Q: Did your background in screenwriting influence the way you planted twists in the story?
Yes, she followed screenwriting instincts, using a three-act framework as a loose guide and weaving twists that could be reverse engineered later while keeping the narrative fair to readers.
Janice Hallett
Q: How did you decide to structure the narrative around emails and memos instead of traditional prose?
She explains the structure came from her interest in immersion and in showing how people think and communicate under different circumstances, aiming to present multiple possibilities rather than a single fixed truth.
Janice Hallett
Q: Were you nervous about writing a who-done-it where we don't even know who was murdered?
Hallett says she wasn't nervous, because the process allowed her to explore the mystery by focusing on how the characters uncover possibilities through the material they have, rather than fixating on a single victim.
Anne Sebba
Q: Hi. Wallis is an unusual name and I understand she had a really interesting childhood. Can you tell us a little bit about that?
Anne Sebba explains Wallis's early life, her search for control, and how her upbringing, being an outsider from well-to-do American families, shaped her pursuit of status and power.
Dorothy Koomson
Q: What made you decide to tell the story through the two girls' voices instead of a single perspective?
I wanted to inhabit each girl's experience fully and then show how their memories and perspectives shape the truth, which adds complexity and ambiguity to what happened.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Bookclub

What is Bookclub about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A literary discussion show that features in-depth conversations with acclaimed authors, biographers, and other literary figures. Episodes typically center on a single author or book, exploring narrative craft, research methods, and the cultural or historical contexts that shaped the work. Guests range from novelists and historians to screenwriters and actors who bring unique perspectives on adaptation, performance, and storytelling. The host's probing questions and focus on process often yield fresh insights into how books are written, researched, and brought to life for readers and viewers alike. A notable strength is the breadth of guests—from debut authors to celebrated icons—paired with thoughtful audience Q&A that surfaces practical ta... more

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How many listeners does Bookclub get?

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How many subscribers and views does Bookclub have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Bookclub has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Bookclub?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Bookclub:

1. A Good Read
2. Take Four Books
3. World Book Club
4. A Good Read
5. The Waterstones Podcast

How many episodes of Bookclub are there?

Bookclub launched 14 years ago and published 352 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Bookclub?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Bookclub?

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What guests have appeared on Bookclub?

Recent guests on Bookclub include:

1. Janice Hallett
2. Anne Sebba
3. Kirstin Innes
4. Nicola Barker
5. Dorothy Koomson
6. Alan Cumming
7. Sarah Bernstein
8. Hallie Rubenhold

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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