Episodes

  • 5. Nineteen Eighty-Four: Big Brother, Surveillance, and Fear

    5. Nineteen Eighty-Four: Big Brother, Surveillance, and Fear
    Mar 17 2026
    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 Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookclubpodhq⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠@thebookclubpodhq⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠@bookclubpodhq⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠@TheBookClubPodHQ⁠⁠ Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Social Producer: Emma Jackson Video Editor: Joe Pettit Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • 4. Hamnet: Love, Grief, and Motherhood

    4. Hamnet: Love, Grief, and Motherhood
    Mar 10 2026
    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 ⁠foliosociety.com/thebookclub⁠ Email us: ⁠⁠thebookclub@goalhanger.com⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookclubpodhq⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠@thebookclubpodhq⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠@bookclubpodhq⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠@TheBookClubPodHQ⁠⁠ Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Social Producer: Harry Balden Video Editor: Lorcan Moullier Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • 3. The Great Gatsby: Old Money, Murder, and the American Dream

    3. The Great Gatsby: Old Money, Murder, and the American Dream
    Mar 3 2026
    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 foliosociety.com/thebookclub Email us: ⁠thebookclub@goalhanger.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠@bookclubpodhq⁠ TikTok: ⁠@thebookclubpodhq⁠ X: ⁠@bookclubpodhq⁠ YouTube: ⁠@TheBookClubPodHQ⁠ Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Social Producer: Harry Balden Video Editor: Oliver Oakley Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • 2. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro: Cloning, Free Will, and Soulmates

    2. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro: Cloning, Free Will, and Soulmates
    Feb 24 2026
    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: ⁠@thebookclubpodhq⁠ X: ⁠@bookclubpodhq⁠ YouTube: ⁠@TheBookClubPodHQ⁠ Exec Producer: Dom Johnson Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Social Producer: Harry Balden Video Editor: Joe Pettit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • 1. Wuthering Heights: Passion, Violence, and Revenge on the Moors

    1. Wuthering Heights: Passion, Violence, and Revenge on the Moors
    Feb 17 2026
    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: James Clayden Head of History: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • The Book Club - Trailer

    The Book Club - Trailer
    Feb 10 2026
    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 Instagram: @bookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq Facebook: The Book Club TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    2 mins