World Book Club
BBC World Service
The world's great authors discuss their best-known novel.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 4, 2004 • 27min
Kazuo Ishiguro
Kazuo Ishiguro, a prize-winning author known for his poignant works like *The Remains of the Day*, joins Harriett Gilbert to explore profound themes of memory, identity, and morality. He discusses the complex character of Stevens, reflecting on professionalism and moral accountability. Ishiguro also highlights the challenges of adapting his emotionally rich narratives for film. Additionally, he candidly shares the struggles of balancing solitude with public expectations as a modern writer, revealing the intricate dance between creativity and family life.
Sep 30, 2004 • 27min
Anita Desai - Fasting, Feasting
Anita Desai joins an audience of World Service listeners to discuss her 1999 novel 'Fasting, Feasting'. Presented by Harriett Gilbert. Broadcast in September 2004.(Photo: Anita Desai)
(Credit: Jerry Bauer)
Sep 13, 2004 • 27min
Roddy Doyle
Roddy Doyle talks about his novel The Commitments. Presented by Harriett Gilbert.
Sep 2, 2004 • 27min
Amoz Oz
Amos Oz joins an audience of World Service listeners to discuss his novel 'My Michael'. Presented by Harriett Gilbert at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
Jul 29, 2004 • 27min
Gillian Slovo
South African novelist, Gillian Slovo talks about her novel 'Red Dust'. Presented by Harriett Gilbert.
May 20, 2004 • 27min
Tracy Chevalier
Tracy Chevalier joins an audience of World Service listeners to discuss her novel 'Girl With A Pearl Earring'.Image: Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer, Credit: Vincenzo Pinto/AFP/Getty Images
Feb 24, 2004 • 27min
Martin Cruz Smith
Author Martin Cruz Smith talks about his novel Gorky Park. Presented by Harriett Gilbert from California in a special co-production with San Francisco radio station KALW
Jan 29, 2004 • 27min
Amy Tan
Amy Tan joins an audience of World Service listeners to discuss her novel The Joy Luck Club.
Nov 26, 2003 • 27min
Isabelle Allende - The House of Spirits
Chilean novelist Isabel Allende joins an audience of World Service listeners to discuss her novel 'The House of the Spirits'.
First broadcast in November 2003.
(Photo credit: Lori Barra.)
Oct 23, 2003 • 27min
Frederick Forsyth - The Day of the Jackal
Frederick Forsyth joins an audience of World Service listners to discuss his novel 'The Day of the Jackal'. Introduced by Harriett Gilbert. First broadcast in October 2003.(Photo: Frederick Forsyth outside his home in Ireland, 1978)
(Credit: Evening Standard/Getty Images)
