World Book Club
BBC World ServiceThe world's great authors discuss their best-known novel.
| Publishes | Monthly | Episodes | 288 | Founded | 19 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | Society & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
Harriett Gilbert welcomes the French author Laurent Binet to the World Book Club studio to answer your questions about his acclaimed novel HHhH.
The book tells the story of the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, one of the chief architects of the H... more
Harriett Gilbert welcomes master of suspense, the Canadian author Linwood Barclay in the World Book Club Studio, to answer your questions about his thriller 'Take Your Breath Away'.
The story centres on Andrew Mason, whose wife Brie vanished six yea... more
Harriett Gilbert welcomes bestselling author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni into the World Book Club studio to discuss her internationally acclaimed novel, The Palace of Illusions.
A luminous reimagining of the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharat, The P... more
Harriett Gilbert welcomes bestselling author Philippa Gregory into the World Book Club studio to discuss her celebrated historical novel, The Other Boleyn Girl.
This novel, about to celebrate its 25th anniversary, is a vivid portrayal of ambition, l... more
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Reviews
- Decline in books discussed
This used to be one of my favorite podcasts and I looked forward to a new episode each month. But with the new producer the types of books discussed have become cheesy best sellers with less substance. The books used to be literary and thought provoking. These shallow picks aren’t worth reading let alone discussing.
Apple Podcasts1Dddddiiiisssapointing
United Statesa month ago - Polyandry
Thank you for the novel. I have always wondered about Draupadi's point of view. Who did she love most? Did she feel sexually liberated or even more enslaved? How can one not especially as a woman?! Just wanted to also point out that albeit polyandry was rare in ancient and medieval India and other parts of the world, it was a social and economic practice especially in the North where resources were scarce.
I am not allowed to paste the link here but you can find readings on polyandry as a pra... more
Apple Podcasts5JoytsnaUnited States2 months ago - Paradise
A startling and disturbing book which took me on a journey at times funny and tragic. This is a haunting story of humanity emerging with hope despite oppression and cruelty. Deals with huge themes as all good literature does. I didn’t know this author but shall read more.
Apple Podcasts5damme lorraine
United Kingdom5 months ago - Excellent episode
I love all of your episodes. The NK Jamison episode was epic.
Apple Podcasts5ansleystreetpressUnited States9 months ago - Without a doubt, my favorite podcast of all time
I’ve been listening to the World Book Club for many years and have gone back through the entire archive more than once. I think Harriett Gilbert is an outstanding interviewer. She’s authentic, not snobbish, and warm-hearted. And I really like the format; entirely different from the other literature podcasts.
Apple Podcasts5lisajanroseUnited Statesa year ago
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Apple Podcasts | #205 |  India/Society & Culture |
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Frequently Asked Questions About World Book Club
What is World Book Club about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Listeners tune in for in-depth author interviews and global literary perspectives. Episodes center on contemporary and historical novels, with a strong emphasis on narrative craft, character voices, and the social contexts that shape storytelling. A consistent host guides thoughtful Q&A with authors, readers submitting questions, and a wide-reaching, international lens that often highlights women writers and underrepresented viewpoints. The show tends to feature literary fiction, historical fiction, and culturally rich narratives, with guests ranging from prize-winning novelists to emerging voices, offering insights into writing processes, themes, and historical or cultural contexts that inform their work.
Where can I find podcast stats for World Book Club?
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How many listeners does World Book Club get?
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What are the audience demographics for World Book Club?
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How many subscribers and views does World Book Club have?
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Which podcasts are similar to World Book Club?
These podcasts share a similar audience with World Book Club:
1. Bookclub
2. Backlisted
3. This Cultural Life
4. Great Lives
5. Close Readings
How many episodes of World Book Club are there?
World Book Club launched 19 years ago and published 288 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 World Book Club?
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What guests have appeared on World Book Club?
Recent guests on World Book Club include:
1. Laurent Binet
2. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
3. Silvia Moreno-Garcia
4. Denise Mina
5. Dr. Mark Jones
6. Juhea Kim
7. Michelle De Kretser
8. Maja Lunde
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.