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The Book Club
29 episodes
28. Hemingway’s Spanish Civil War: For Whom The Bell Tolls
Ep 28 · Aug 17, 2026 · 1 hr 20 min
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 delve into the context behind Hemingway's writing, and the world of For Whom The Bell Tolls. Exclusions apply. Learn more at https://www.klarna.com/uk/buyer-protection-description/. For analysis, book recommendations and more, sign up to our newslett…
27. Brave New World: The Dystopia That Came True?
Ep 27 · Aug 10, 2026 · 1 hr 23 min
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 writing of Brave New World, and the novel itself. Exclusions apply. Learn more at https://www.klarna.com/uk/buyer-protection-description/. Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com For analysis, book recommendations and more, sign up to our newsletter…
26. Mafia and Mystery: Is ‘My Brilliant Friend’ the Greatest Novel of the Century?
Ep 26 · Aug 3, 2026 · 1 hr 13 min
What does My Brilliant Friend tell us about the dark underbelly of Italian society after the Second World War? Who is the mysterious Elena Ferrante? And, how did she craft a heartbreaking parable of escape and love? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind My Brilliant Friend, and the world it was born of. Exclusions apply. Learn more at https://www.klarna.com/uk/buyer-protection-description/. For analysis, book recommendations and more, sign up t…
25. The Thirty-Nine Steps: The First James Bond
Ep 25 · Jul 27, 2026 · 1 hr 13 min
How did the First World War inspire The 39 Steps? Why did John Buchan set the novel in Scotland? And, is the dashing protagonist Richard Hannay, a model for later Spy heroes? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of The 39 Steps, and the world it was born of. Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com For analysis, book recommendations and more, sign up to our newsletter, Book Club Notes, introduced weekly by Tabby or Dominic. Sign up…
24. Jane Austen, Nazis and Murder: The Ultimate Summer Reading List
Ep 24 · Jul 23, 2026 · 40 min
Which books should you take on your summer holiday? How have some of Dominic and Tabby’s favourite destinations shaped these novels? And, what makes a summer classic? Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com For analysis, book recommendations and more, sign up to our newsletter, Book Club Notes, introduced weekly by Tabby or Dominic. Sign up at: https://www.thebookclubhq.com/ Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq YouTube: @TheBookClubPodHQ Se…
23. The Odyssey Retold: Circe, Monsters and Myth
Ep 23 · Jul 20, 2026 · 1 hr 10 min
How does Madeline Miller re-work Greek mythology to explore women’s experience? Is Circe the best fantasy novel of the 2010s? And, why do we remain captivated by the world of ancient Greece? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of Circe, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. You can order Circe and explore our favourite Folio books at http://foliosociety.com/thebookclub Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com For analysi…
22. The Leopard: The Greatest Historical Novel Ever Written?
Ep 22 · Jul 13, 2026 · 1 hr 22 min
How did Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s family story shape his only novel, The Leopard? Why is The Leopard considered an Italian masterpiece? And, who is the sexiest man ever written? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of The Leopard, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. For analysis, book recommendations and more, sign up to our newsletter, Book Club Notes, introduced weekly by Tabby or Dominic. Sign up at: https://www…
21. The Wind In The Willows: How A Bedtime Story Became An Icon
Ep 21 · Jul 6, 2026 · 1 hr 33 min
How did Kenneth Grahame come up with the idea for The Wind In The Willows? Why was the novel initially rejected by publishers? And, what character would Tabby and Dominic be? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of The Wind In The Willows, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. You can order The Wind In The Willows and explore our favourite Folio books at http://foliosociety.com/thebookclub Email us: thebookclub@goalhang…
20. Game of Thrones: The Horrifying True Story Behind A Song of Ice and Fire
Ep 20 · Jun 29, 2026 · 1 hr 27 min
What real-world historical events and figures inspired the political conflicts in Westeros? Is George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones better than J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings? And, is it likely that George R.R. Martin will ever finish the A Song of Ice and Fire series? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of A Game of Thrones, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. You can order A Game of Thrones and explore our…
19. Little Women: The Secret Sadness of a Classic
Jun 22, 2026 · 1 hr 17 min
How did Louisa May Alcott break social and literary conventions? Is Little Women the first coming of age story in a novel? And, what do Tabby and Dominic think of Greta Gerwig’s 2019 film adaption? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of Little Women, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com For analysis, book recommendations and more, sign up to our newsletter, Book Club Notes, intro…
18. The Code Of The Woosters: The Funniest Book Ever Written?
Ep 18 · Jun 15, 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
How did P.G. Wodehouse become one of the most widely read humorists of the 20th century? Why have Jeeves and Wooster become such an iconic pairing? And, did P.G. Wodehouse collaborate with the Nazis? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of The Code Of The Woosters, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com For analysis, book recommendations and more, sign up to our newsletter, Book Clu…
17. Oscar Wilde's Downfall: The Picture of Dorian Gray
Ep 17 · Jun 8, 2026 · 1 hr 22 min
How did the anxieties of late-Victorian Britain inspire Dorian Gray? Which real people lay behind the characters of Dorian Gray? What were the French Decadents, and how did they influence Wilde? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of The Picture of Dorian Gray, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq Y…
16. The Hunger Games: Rebellion and Violence In Dystopian America
Jun 1, 2026 · 1 hr 16 min
What does The Hunger Games say about the state of modern America? How did reality TV inspire The Hunger Games? Why did Suzanne Collin's novel become such a sensation with young adults? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of The Hunger Games, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq YouTube: @TheBookCl…
15. Mrs Dalloway: Woolf, Sexuality, and Change
Ep 15 · May 25, 2026 · 1 hr 24 min
What does Mrs Dalloway express about female sexuality and experience? Why did its modernist style cause such controversy? And, what was Virginia Woolf really like? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of Mrs Dalloway, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq YouTube: @TheBookClubPodHQ Senior Producer…
14. Beloved: Memory, Morrison, and Modern American Fiction
Ep 14 · May 18, 2026 · 1 hr 20 min
Who is Beloved, and what is the true historical story that inspired the novel? How does Toni Morrison use magical realism to explore the horror of Slavery? Why has Beloved become such a monumental piece of American fiction? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of Beloved, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclu…
13. The Woman In White: Victorians, Sensation, and Scandal
Ep 13 · May 11, 2026 · 1 hr 12 min
How did Wilkie Collins craft one of the earliest examples of detective fiction? What does The Woman In White reveal about the Victorian society? And, why did the novel cause such a sensation? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of The Woman In White, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq YouTube: @…
12. A Court of Thorns and Roses: ''Fairy Smut'' or Fantasy Sensation?
Ep 12 · May 4, 2026 · 1 hr 15 min
How was ACOTAR inspired by traditional folklore? Why has the novel become such a mass sensation? And, what is Romantasy? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of A Court Of Thorns and Roses, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq YouTube: @TheBookClubPodHQ Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Assistant Pr…
11. The Hound of the Baskervilles: Mystery, Folklore, and Sherlock Holmes
Ep 11 · Apr 27, 2026 · 1 hr 17 min
The Hound of the Baskervilles: Mystery, Folklore, and Sherlock HolmesWhat is the true story that inspired Arthur Conan Doyle's best-seller? Why have there been so many portrayals of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson in media beyond the novels? Is this the greatest Sherlock story ever told? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of The Hound Of The Baskervilles, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Email us: thebookclub@goa…
10. East Of Eden: Steinbeck, Sin, and Redemption
Ep 10 · Apr 20, 2026 · 1 hr 9 min
Why did Steinbeck consider East of Eden his magnum opus? What does the novel reveal about human nature? How did Steinbeck interrogate early 20th century American society? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of East Of Eden, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq YouTube: @TheBookClubPodHQ Senior P…
9. Normal People: Class, Ireland, and Heartbreak
Ep 9 · Apr 13, 2026 · 1 hr 10 min
Is Sally Rooney's hit novel really a love story? How does class division impact the love Marianne and Connell feel for each other? Is Rooney creating a relatable story of miscommunication during first loves, or a tale of heartbreak and loss? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of Normal People, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookc…
8. Northern Lights: Dogma, Destiny, and Dæmons
Ep 8 · Apr 6, 2026 · 1 hr 18 min
To what extent is Pullman’s novel a critique of organised religion? How was Northern Lights inspired by Milton's Paradise Lost? And, did Northern Lights reshape the landscape of modern children's literature? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of Northern Lights, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. You can order and explore our favourite Folio books at http://foliosociety.com/thebookclub Email us: thebookclub@goalhan…
7. Frankenstein: Horror, Humanity, and Hubris
Ep 7 · Mar 30, 2026 · 1 hr 16 min
Did Mary Shelley create the first true science fiction novel? Is Frankenstein a philosophical fable? How did Frankenstein inspire countless more horror stories? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of Frankenstein, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. You can order Frankenstein and explore our favourite Folio books at https://foliosociety.com/thebookclub Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com Instagram: @bookclubpodh…
6. The Secret History: Dark Academia, Greek Myth, and Murder
Ep 6 · Mar 24, 2026 · 1 hr 23 min
How does Donna Tartt combine gothic academia and greek mythology in her captivating debut novel? What do the characters tell us about the dark side of human nature? And, did her own university experience influence the story? Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett discuss all this and more in this week's episode on The Secret History by Donna Tartt. Explore our favourite Folio books at http://foliosociety.com/thebookclub Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok:…
5. Nineteen Eighty-Four: Big Brother, Surveillance, and Fear
Ep 5 · Mar 17, 2026 · 1 hr 29 min
Why is 1984 as relevant today as when it was published? Who is Big Brother, and why is he so powerful? What was George Orwell's intention when creating the world of 1984, and what does it tell us about politics today?Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of 1984, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. You can order 1984 and explore our favourite Folio books at http://foliosociety.com/thebookclub Email us: thebookclub@goalhan…
4. Hamnet: Love, Grief, and Motherhood
Ep 4 · Mar 10, 2026 · 1 hr 7 min
How does Maggie O'Farrell create the historical figures of William Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes Hathaway, in her novel Hamnet? What does the film adaptation starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley do differently to the book? How do the themes of fate and loss affect the characters and the reader? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of Hamnet, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. You can order Hamnet and explore our f…
3. The Great Gatsby: Old Money, Murder, and the American Dream
Ep 3 · Mar 3, 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
Was Daisy Buchanan, the object of Jay Gatsby’s obsessive love in the novel, inspired by the author’s own love life? What window does The Great Gatsby open onto 1920s America, with its Jazz, flappers, and bootlegging? Who was F. Scott Fitzgerald, the man behind one of the most iconic novels in all literature? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of the Great Gatsby, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. You can order The G…
2. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro: Cloning, Free Will, and Soulmates
Ep 2 · Feb 24, 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
What inspired Kazuo Ishiguro’s timeless story about mortality, growing up, and the human condition? How are its characters so relatable, and yet entirely unique? And, why does the dark secret at its heart challenge scientific innovation? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the story behind Kazuo Ishiguro's literary masterpiece, the context in which it was written, and the wonderful story itself. Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: …
1. Wuthering Heights: Passion, Violence, and Revenge on the Moors
Ep 1 · Feb 17, 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
Why does Emily Brontë's novel, Wuthering Heights, have such an enduring romantic association? Is Heathcliff a romantic lead, or an abusive antihero? Are the characters aspirational in any way, or irredeemable? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they discuss all this and more. Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq YouTube: @TheBookClubPodHQ Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Social Producer: Harry Balden Video Editor: Jame…
The Book Club - Trailer
Feb 10, 2026 · 2 min
Do you want to learn more about some of the greatest stories ever told? Join Dominic Sandbrook, co-host of The Rest Is History, and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the world of literature. Each week, our hosts look at either a contemporary or classic title, bringing the historical context behind these famous books to life. This is not your typical literature podcast: The Book Club educates and entertains, unpacking the world of books and the authors that built them. Join us every Tuesday where…
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