Books and Authors

Mariella Frostrup talks to Barry Humphries about his five favourite books, novelist Mohsin Hamid discusses Antonio Tabucchi and Christopher Brookmyre on what makes a good title.

Historian Amanda Foreman talks about her new book, A World on Fire which examines Britain's role in the American Civil War. Two descendants of Boris Pasternak discuss his most famous novel, Dr Zhivago and novelist Laurence Norfolk examines the second part of the memoirs of Germany's most acclaimed living author, Gunter Grass.

Mariella Frostrup talks to American writer, Paul Auster, about his new book, Sunset Park. Open Book explores the wonderful world of weeds, prompted by a new book from Richard Mabey on weeds. And our reading clinic looks at stories that can be read out loud.

Mariella Frostrup talks to the bestselling novelist Ken Follett about his new book, Fall of Giants. It's the first in a trilogy of novels about twentieth century history, and takes in the outbreak of the First World War and the emanicpation of women. Also on the programme, Mariella is joined by the novelists Rebecca Hunt and Tim Lott to explore how depression has been portrayed in fiction. Plus, she finds out what shapes the decision to bring a book back into print, following a query on the subject from an Open Book listener.

Mariella Frostrup talks to Salman Rushdie, James Ellroy and in his 50th year of writing, Alan Garner.

Mariella Frostrup talks to acclaimed writer Susan Hill, best known for her spine-tingling novels including Woman In Black. She discusses her latest book, The Small Hand. Plus, the joys of reading aloud - novelist Joanna Trollope and editor Angela Macmillan explain the importance of literature shared through the voice and not just on the page. Also, Paris viewed from the margins - novelists Alex Miller and Julie Orringer share their experiences of setting novels in Paris with emigres as the lead protagonists.

Mariella Frostrup talks to the award-winning crime novelist Val McDermid about her new book, and author Alexander McCall Smith on the art of writing prolifically. Plus two of Pakistan's new generation of novelists, Kamila Shamsie and Daniyal Mueenudeen, join Mariella to discuss, and to shed light on the renaissance that Pakistani writing is undergoing.

Mariella Frostrup talks to Mann Booker Prize winner, DBC Pierre about his latest book, discuss Graham Greene in Africa and the Reading Clinic explores contemporary novels inspired by the classics.