The Penguin Podcast

What makes a book a classic? Who decided which books make it into the canon? And how long would it take to read the entire list? Join our exploration through our Classic bookshelves with author Henry Eliot who answers listener questions with reading recommendations from all eras. Plus, we delve into the world of Jane Austen with Gill Hornby, whose novel Miss Austen is being adapted into a four-part drama by the BBC.Find all of the books mentioned in this episode by visiting Episode 3: ClassicsSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcastBooks and authors mentioned in this episode:The Penguin Classics Book by Henry Eliot The Penguin Modern Classics Book by Henry EliotMiss Austen by Gill HornbyFor the full list of recommended reads visit: Episode 3: Classics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining us in our book-filled studio is broadcaster and author Zeinab Badawi, who shares her journey chronicling Africa's spectacular history through the voices of African historians, archaeologists, and local storytellers. Plus, we put your reading requests to award-winning author Derek Owusu to top up your reading pile with books by Black authors to celebrate Black History Month. Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Explore all the books discussed and a transcript by visiting: Episode 2: Black History MonthWebsite: www.penguin.co.uk/podcastBooks mentioned in this episode: Noughts and Crosses by Malorie BlackmanGiovanni's Room by James BaldwinThat Reminds Me by Derek OwusuHomegoing by Yaa GyasiAn African History of Africa by Zainab BadawiThe Confessions of Franny Langton by Sara CollinsBlack Cake by Charmaine WilkersonThe Lonely Londoners by Sam SelvonGhana Must Go by Teiye SelassieThe Terrible by Yrsa Daley-Ward Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is it like to judge the world's most prestigious book prize? How do judges manage to read 150 submissions in a matter of months? And how do publishers update the winning book jacket so swiftly? In the first episode of our new series Ask Penguin, join our new host, Rhianna Dhillon as we delve into the world of literary prizes with this year's Booker Prize judge and award-winning author, Sara Collins. We also answer your Ask Penguin questions with plenty of book recommendations to inspire your next read.If you would like to send us a message or a question, email penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Visit our website for more information about The Penguin Podcast: www.penguin.co.uk/podcastFor more information about this episode including a full list of books discussed visit: Episode 1: Prize-winnersBooks mentioned in this episode: The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara CollinsThe Safe Keep by Yael Van Der WoudenOrbital by Samantha HarveyCreation Lake by Rachel KushnerGirl, Woman, Other by Bernardine EvaristoThe God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy Mr Loverman by Bernardine EvaristoThe Emperor's Babe by Bernadine EvaristoGliff by Ali Smith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Penguin Podcast is returning with a brand-new series called Ask Penguin. In each episode, we will take you inside Penguin Books to meet some of the incredible authors we publish as well as the people who work here, to get answers to all of your book-related questions.Need help finding your next page-turning read? Are you curious to know what a day in the life of an editor is like? Or perhaps why a small, aquatic, flightless bird became the iconic emblem that adorns Penguin books worldwide? The new series launches on Thursday 3rd October, where we'll be discussing prize-winning novels with award-winning author, and this year's Booker Prize judge, Sara Collins, and provide you with plenty of book recommendations with Publishing Director Simon Prosser. Send us your questions for a chance to be featured by emailing: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Don't forget to follow the show, so you never miss an episode!Find out more: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast we're recapping the year with a selection of the brilliant guests we've welcomed onto the show. We hear from Jane Fallon, Chris van Tulleken, Julian Barnes, David Mitchell and more. We thank you for tuning in, and we'll see you in 2024. Happy holidays.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by national treasure and bestselling author, Sebastian Faulks.Together they they discuss the tweet that helped inspire his latest book, The Seventh Son, his thoughts on imposter Syndrome and humility, the influence of George Orwell on his political outlook, and a magical riverbank he discovered in France. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by Booker Longlisted author, C Pam Zhang.Together they discuss Zhang's latest novel, The Land of Milk and Honey, as well as the effects of extreme wealth on the human psyche, the place of pleasure and joy in human existence, the many expectations still placed upon women, and the literary benefits of being a marginalised writer.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by one of our time's most important moral philosophers and animal rights activists, Peter Singer.In this episode, they discuss Singer's experience of animal rights in the 70s compared to now, what inspired him to begin campaigning for the rights of animals, the importance of suffering in determining rights, and his views on the rise of veganism.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by the former Finance Minister of Greece and co-founder of the international grassroots movement DM25 as well as a Professor of economics at the University of Athens, Yanis Varoufakis. His latest book, Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism, explores how the owners of big tech have become the world's feudal overlords.In this episode, Nihal and Yanis discuss the impact living through the digital age has on our lives, how commodities have more freedom of movement than people, and the objects that inspired the theories explored in his book. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by bestselling author, public speaker, and founder of The School of Life, Alain de Botton. His latest book, A Therapeutic Journey, deals with mental ill-health and recuperation and has been described as both a source of companionship in our loneliest moments and a practical guide to finding reasons for hope. In this episode, Isy and Alain discuss the theory behind why, as adults, we cry at happy things, the importance of listening to children, and the value of pursuing a 'good enough' life that prioritises emotional wellbeing. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by comedian, writer and actor David Mitchell for a chat about Unruly, a thoughtful, funny exploration of the founding fathers and mothers of England and, subsequently, Britain. They discuss the historical artefacts that inspired the book, why people in the Middle Ages had more confidence, and how a bout of food poisoning changed the course of English history forever. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by journalist and award-winning writer, Megan Nolan.Megan joins Isy for a chat about her latest novel, Ordinary Human Failings. They also discuss the amorality of tabloid journalism, familiar narratives of where trauma can lead you, personal pain and the limitations of empathy, and the significance of owning an armchair you’ll rarely use. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by Barister, TV host and Novelist, Rob Rinder. Rob joins Isy for a joyful conversation about his number one Sunday Times best-selling novel, The Trial.Also on the podcast, we hear Rob's perspective on imposter syndrome and its benefits, how fear and justice intersect in court, that he believes your writing style is influenced by where you sit, and why a worn-out hair brush is so precious to him. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by debut novelist Michael Magee.Michael joins us to discuss his critically acclaimed novel, Close to Home, which has already been shortlisted for the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize.The two also discuss how Michael's novel started off as a letter-writing exercise, approaching masculinity on his own terms, working alter egos into fiction, and how bleakness in working-class fiction works best when there is added levity.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, we bring you a special episode: Shaparak Khorsandi in conversation with Isy Suttie live from Lattitude Festival. Shaparak joined us to discuss her latest book, Scatter Brain: How I finally got off the ADHD rollercoaster and became the owner of a very tidy sock drawer.The two also discuss the subtle distinctions between shame and embarrassment, memories of climbing a pear tree, the life-changing power of an ADHD diagnosis, and how being on I’m A Celebrity gave her a spiritual experience.  Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by Booker shortlisted writer, Brandon Taylor. Brandon joins us to discuss his new novel, The Late Americans.The two also discuss the importance of material signifiers when writing characters, how reading contemporary fiction can influence the writing process, how learning expression through photography helped feed creativity, and what is the value of not writing during the act of writing. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by another of Granta's Best of Young British novelists, award-winning novelist, Isabella Hammad. Isabella Joins us to discuss her new novel, Enter Ghost.Also in the episode the two discuss how observing the real world helps form fictional characters, how stories can evolve and eventually become part of a communal identity, the significance of a roof in Isabella’s childhood and the importance of the sea in her new novel. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal is joined by one of Granta's Best of Young British novelists and recent recipient of the Orwell Prize for political fiction, novelists Tom Crewe.Tom Joins us to discuss his incredible new novel, The New Life.The two also discuss why the novel took over 10 years to write, what Tom admired most about a particular Victorian age, the candour and insights gained from the collected testimonies in the ground-breaking and inspirational book, Sexual Inversion, and also how his novel unconsciously reflects the times he has lived through. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie talks to author and psychoanalytic psychotherapist, Maxine Mei-Fung Chung. Maxine joins us to discuss her latest book, What Women Want, an intimate examination of female desire. The two also discuss the importance of making time for yourself, the impulse to keep busy for fear we may break down, why many of our coping mechanisms are developed in childhood, and why eye contact is essential when sharing intimate information.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by Booker and Woman's Prize longlisted author and one of Granta's Best Young British Novelists, Sophie Mackintosh.Sophie joins us to discuss her latest novel, Cursed Bread. Also discussed is how Welsh and its poetry have influenced Sophie's writing, where she found the inspiration for her third novel, the importance of the sea in her life and work, and why she never deletes what she cuts from her works in progress. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.