The Book Club

Latest Episodes:

6. The Secret History: Dark Academia, Greek Myth, and Murder Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

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

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Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen

Social Producer: Harry Balden

Assistant Producer: Alfie Norris

Video Editor: Lorcan Moullier

Executive Producer: Dom Johnson

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5. Nineteen Eighty-Four: Big Brother, Surveillance, and Fear Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

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@goalhanger.com⁠⁠

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Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen

Social Producer: Emma Jackson

Video Editor: Joe Pettit

Executive Producer: Dom Johnson

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4. Hamnet: Love, Grief, and Motherhood Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

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 favourite Folio books at https://foliosociety.com/thebookclub

Email us: ⁠⁠thebookclub@goalhanger.com⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookclubpodhq⁠⁠

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Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen

Social Producer: Harry Balden

Video Editor: Lorcan Moullier

Executive Producer: Dom Johnson

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3. The Great Gatsby: Old Money, Murder, and the American Dream Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

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 Great Gatsby and explore our favourite Folio books at http://foliosociety.com/thebookclub

Email us: ⁠thebookclub@goalhanger.com⁠

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Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen

Social Producer: Harry Balden

Video Editor: Oliver Oakley

Executive Producer: Dom Johnson

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2. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro: Cloning, Free Will, and Soulmates Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

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

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Exec Producer: Dom Johnson

Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen

Social Producer: Harry Balden

Video Editor: Joe Pettit

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1. Wuthering Heights: Passion, Violence, and Revenge on the Moors Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

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

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Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen

Social Producer: Harry Balden

Video Editor: James Clayden

Head of History: Dom Johnson

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The Book Club - Trailer Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

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 wherever you get your podcasts.

Find out more at https://linktr.ee/thebookclub

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