
The Book Club, hosted by Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett, brings the historical context behind famous books to life. Each week, the hosts explore a classic or contemporary title, unpacking the world in which it was written and the story behind its author. This is not your typical literature podcast: The Book Club educates AND entertains, leaving you knowing some of the greatest stories ever t... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 31 | Founded | 7 months ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | BooksArtsEducation | |||

Who is Vladimir Nabokov? Why is Lolita so controversial? And, what was the reaction to its publication?
Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the story behind Lolita, and the novel itself.
Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.... more
How did Daphne du Maurier use her own experience to write the chilling events of Rebecca? Who is the sinister Mrs Danvers? And, what really happened to Rebecca?
Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behin... more
How did the Spanish Civil War inspire one of Ernest Hemingway’s greatest novels? Why was Hemingway so captivated by Spain? And, were the characters of For Whom The Bell Tolls inspired by real people?
Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they... more
How does Aldous Huxley satirise roaring twenties America? Is a Brave New World more realistic than 1984? And, what is the novel's Shakespearean connection?
Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the... more
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I would actually award no stars at all. Sensationalist, dumbed down chat.
Love this podcast! Already loved Dominic from the Rest is History. He and Tabby are a good pair. I’m learning so much even if I have not read the book.
I have never before written a review of a podcast and likely will never again; but when a podcast is so engaging and enjoyable as ‘The Book Club’ one must do what one can to encourage more and to thank it’s producers and hosts.
The success of the podcast is, I think, due in equal measure to the sometimes opinionated but unfailingly considerate discussion between two hosts - each of whom enjoys reading - but who also seem to enjoy one another’s company despite their obvious differences. Add t... more
Another great Podcast I’m now following from Goalhanger
Good lord! I know Yorkshiremen are proud of their antecedents, but down-voting the whole podcast on the strength of the mispronunciation of a single word is a bit excessive.
I very much enjoy this podcast. The dynamic between Dominic and Tabby is fantastic and really makes every episode very enjoyable throughout. It’s true that it’s not weapons-grade literary criticism, but if you’re after that you’re missing the point.
I really enjoy D&T’s insights and points of view, as well as the exposition ... more
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Spotify | #27 | |
Apple Podcasts | #3 | |
Apple Podcasts | #16 | |
Spotify | #58 | |
Spotify | #2 | |
Spotify | #35 |
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
| Listeners per Episode | Gender Skew | Location | |||
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| Interests | Professions | Age Range | |||
| Household Income | Social Media Reach | ||||
A discussion-driven book podcast that blends literary analysis with historical and cultural context. Across episodes, the hosts explore the life behind the work, the era that shaped it, and the author's influences, while unpacking themes, narrative techniques, and reception. The format tends to pair close textual readings with broader historical storytelling, often weaving in biographical anecdotes and comparisons to other works. The show stands out for its warm, conversational dynamic, thoughtful insights, and a willingness to connect fiction to real-world history and literary traditions. Potential listeners who enjoy deep-context literary conversations, authorial backstories, and cross-title comparisons may find it especially engaging.
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The Book Club launched 7 months ago and published 31 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on The Book Club include:
1. Mary Beard
2. Josephine Quinn
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