Ask Penguin

Which books help us reconnect with nature? with Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris

<p>Why do baby puffins prefer to be alone? Why don’t Cuckoo birds raise their own children? Has the decline of birds taken away the music of our landscapes? And what is the simplest way back if we feel disconnected from nature?&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In this episode of <a href="https://podfollow.com/thepenguinpodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Ask Penguin</em></a><em>, </em>Rhianna is joined by visionary creative duo, <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/32424/robert-macfarlane" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Robert Macfarlane</em></a> and <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/10788/jackie-morris" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Jackie Morris</em></a><em> </em>to discuss their latest collaboration, <em>T</em><a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/314396/the-book-of-birds-by-robert-macfarlane-and-jackie-morris/9780241404737" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>he Books of Birds</em>,</a> a beautifully illustrated and poetic look at some of natures most unique and fascinating birds. Plus plenty of book recommendations from books that explore the British landscapes and our favourite anthropomorphised animals as main characters.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><br><p>Discover all the books mentioned in this episode <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/which-books-help-us-reconnect-with-nature-with-robert-macfarlane-and-jackie-morris" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a></p><br><p><strong>About the book</strong>&nbsp;</p><br><p><a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/314396/the-book-of-birds-by-robert-macfarlane-and-jackie-morris/9780241404737" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Book of Birds</em> </a>is a compendium of forty-nine bird species, from Avocet to Yellowhammer, all of which are presently declining or endangered in Britain. Inspired by the classic bird-books with which the authors grew up, this is a field guide with a difference. It asks not ‘What is that bird?’, but ‘Who is that bird?’ It shows its readers how to identify birds, but also how to identify with them.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>About the authors</strong>&nbsp;</p><br><p><a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/32424/robert-macfarlane" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><em>Robert Macfarlane</em></strong></a><strong> </strong>is a <em>Sunday Times</em>- and <em>New York Times</em>-bestselling authors, whose books include <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/455147/is-a-river-alive-by-macfarlane-robert/9780241998212" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Is a River Alive?</em>,</a> <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/56082/underland-by-macfarlane-robert/9780141030579" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Underland</em></a>, <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/213416/landmarks-by-macfarlane-robert/9780241967874" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Landmarks</em></a>, <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/56083/the-old-ways-by-macfarlane-robert/9780141030586" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Old Ways</em></a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wild-Places-Robert-Macfarlane/dp/1847080189?tag=prhmarketing29531-21" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Wild Places</em></a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mountains-Mind-Fascination-Robert-Macfarlane/dp/1847080391?tag=prhmarketing29532-21" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Mountains of the Mind</em>,</a> as well as a book-length prose-poem, <em>Ness</em>. His work has been translated into more than thirty languages, won prizes around the world, and been widely adapted for film, music, theatre, radio and dance. He has also written operas, plays, albums, choral works, and films including <em>River</em> and <em>Mountain</em>, both narrated by Willem Dafoe.&nbsp;</p><br><p><a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/10788/jackie-morris" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><em>Jackie Morris</em></strong></a><strong> </strong>has written or illustrated over seventy books, including the beloved children’s classics <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tell-Me-Dragon-Jackie-Morris/dp/191265427X?tag=prhmarketing29533-21" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Tell Me a Dragon</em> </a>and<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/East-West-Moon-Jackie-Morris/dp/184780294X?tag=prhmarketing29522-21" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> <em>East of the Sun, West of the Moon</em></a> and a volume of modern folklore for readers of all ages, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wild-Folk-Stones-Jackie-Morris/dp/1789652308?tag=prhmarketing29534-21" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Wild Folk</em>,</a> co-created with Tamsin Abbott, as well as introducing and illustrating Barbara Newhall Follett’s gem of wild literature, <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/312980/the-house-without-windows-by-follett-barbara-newhall/9780241986073" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The House Without Windows</em></a>. She is the internationally bestselling and award-winning co-creator of <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/293340/the-lost-words-by-morris-robert-macfarlane-and-jackie/9780241253588" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Lost Words</em> </a>and <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/316715/the-lost-spells-by-morris-robert-macfarlane-and-jackie/9780241444641" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Lost Spells</em></a>, two books which have captured the hearts of hundreds of thousands of readers of all ages. In 2018 she won the Kate Greenaway Medal and the British Book Awards Children’s Book of the Year for <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/293340/the-lost-words-by-morris-robert-macfarlane-and-jackie/9780241253588" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Lost Words</em></a>.&nbsp;</p><br><p><br></p><p>For more information about the National Year of Reading, click here <a href="https://goallin.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://goallin.org.uk</a>&nbsp;</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What's wrong with reading to look smart? with Abir Mukherjee

<p>Has modern forensics taken away the power of the murder mystery genre? How does a career in corporate finance prepare you to write about a killer? Is narrative voice more important than plot? And is there really such a thing as a reliable narrator?&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>In this episode of Ask Penguin, Rihanna Dillon sits down with bestselling author and crime fiction favourite <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/235216/abir-mukherjee" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Abir Mukherjee</a> to discuss his new Mumbai-set satire <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/442871/the-pinnacle-by-mukherjee-abir/9781787302747" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Pinnacle</em>,</a> alongside brilliant book recommendations from Abir and the Penguin team.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Discover all the books mentioned in this episode <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/whats-wrong-with-reading-to-look-smart-with-abir-mukherjee/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a></p><br><p><strong>About the book</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>George Abercrombie, a washed-up American heart-throb, hates India, even from the rarified heights of his apartment on the 68th floor of the Pinnacle, Mumbai’s grandest luxury skyscraper. When George wakes from a drunken stupor to find his wife Sweety murdered in their bedroom, he knows he will be the prime suspect. Welcome to <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/442871/the-pinnacle-by-mukherjee-abir/9781787302747" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the Pinnacle</a>. A place where murder meets luxury and the world’s most privileged depend on the most desperate.&nbsp;</p><br><p><strong>About the author</strong>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/235216/abir-mukherjee" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Abir Mukherjee</a> is the bestselling author of the award-winning <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/series/SAMWYN/wyndham-and-banerjee-series" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wyndham &amp; Banerjee series</a> of crime novels set in 1920s India and the British Book Awards Crime Thriller of the Year 2025 <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/442833/hunted-by-mukherjee-abir/9781529933529" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Hunted</em></a>. His books have been translated into sixteen languages and won various awards including the CWA Dagger for best Historical Novel, the Prix du Polar Européen, and the Wilbur Smith Award for Adventure Writing.&nbsp;</p><br><p><br></p><p>For more information about the National Year of Reading, click here <a href="https://goallin.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://goallin.org.uk</a>&nbsp;</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Which debut novels should you be reading in 2026?

<p>What are the best books get you out of a reading slump? How did <em>Snakes on a Plane</em> inspire a literary sensation? What did <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/10941/james-joyce" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">James Joyce</a> and Pakistani rap teach one of our debut novelists? And does a writer need to be completely delusional to finish writing a novel?&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><br><p>This week on Ask Penguin we sit down with three breakout debut authors, <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/311151/angela-tomaski" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Angela Tomaski</a>, <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/310243/sufiyaan-salam" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sufiyaan Salam</a>, and <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/308525/madeline-cash" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Madeline Cash</a>, to discuss the messy, hilarious reality of writing a first novel. And as always, we answer all your bookish questions and provide some much-needed reading recommendations.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Discover all the books mentioned in this episode <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/which-debuts-novels-should-you-be-reading-in-2026/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a></p><br><p><strong>About the books</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/469425/wimmy-road-boyz-by-salam-sufiyaan/9781529952643" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><em>Wimmy Road Boyz</em></strong></a> is a blistering story of masculinity, violence and love set over the course of a single, surreal night, told in energetic and cinematic prose.</p><br><p><a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/469152/the-infamous-gilberts-by-tomaski-angela/9780241757574" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><em>The Infamous Gilberts</em></strong></a> is a novel buoyed by love, buffeted by loss, and tangled together in an unputdownable story where the lines between eccentricity and madness, cruelty and love become hilariously heartbreakingly blurred.</p><br><p><a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/467676/lost-lambs-by-cash-madeline/9781529946123" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><em>Lost Lambs</em></strong></a> is a novel of quick-witted observation and surprising tenderness, conspiracies, loss and humour, a family saga for the twenty-first century, all held together with crazy glue.</p><br><p><strong>About the authors</strong></p><br><p><a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/310243/sufiyaan-salam" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Sufiyaan Salam</strong></a><strong> </strong>is a writer and former animator from Blackburn. He’s working on several TV &amp; feature projects, and co-wrote the short film MAGID / ZAFAR, premiering in 2025. <em>Wimmy Road Boyz</em>, winner of the #Merky Books New Writers’ prize, is his first novel.</p><br><p><a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/311151/angela-tomaski" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Angela Tomaski</strong></a> was born in Oxford and raised in Somerset with her four brothers and sisters. She has had a variety of different jobs, including as a waitress, cleaner, English teacher and activity coordinator in a care home. She has a daughter and two grandsons, and now lives in rural Dorset.</p><br><p><a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/308525/madeline-cash" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Madeline Cash</strong></a><strong> </strong>is the founder of <em>Forever Magazine</em> and the author of the story collection <em>Earth Angel</em>. Her fiction has appeared in <em>Granta</em>, <em>The Baffler</em>, <em>The Sewanee Review</em>, <em>The Drift</em>, and <em>Bomb, </em>among other publications. <em>Lost Lambs</em> is her debut novel.</p><br><p>For more information about the National Year of Reading, click here <a href="https://goallin.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://goallin.org.uk</a>&nbsp;</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Which books emotionally wrecked you? With Dawn French

<p>How does artist <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/295030/kae-tempest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kae Tempest </a>inspire <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/39880/dawn-french" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dawn French</a>? Do editors always know best? What is the impact of grief on those we love most? And what really happened when <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/39880/dawn-french" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dawn French</a> came face to face with a hippo while filming <em>Harry Potter?</em>&nbsp;</p><br><p>In this episode of <em>Ask Penguin</em>, Rhianna Dhillon sits down with bestselling author and comedy legend Dawn French to discuss her moving new novel <em>Enough, </em>alongside brilliant book recommendations from Dawn and the Penguin team.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><br><p>Discover all the books mentioned in this episode <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/which-books-emotionally-wrecked-you-with-dawn-french/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>About the book&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/320847/enough-by-french-dawn/9780241477502" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><em>Enough</em></strong></a><strong>,</strong> follows Etta, 68, happy, healthy and satisfied with the life she has lived. One morning she gathers her family together and drops a bombshell that they all have one day to come to terms with - this will be Etta’s final day alive.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>About the author&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/39880/dawn-french" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Dawn French</strong></a> has been making people laugh for 30 years. As a writer, comedian and actor, she has appeared in some of this country's most long-running and celebrated shows, including <em>French and Saunders</em>, <em>The Vicar of Dibley</em>, <em>Jam and Jerusalem</em>, and more recently, <em>Can You Keep A Secret? </em>Her first three novels, <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/176789/a-tiny-bit-marvellous-by-french-dawn/9780141046341" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>A Tiny Bit Marvellous</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/176790/oh-dear-silvia-by-french-dawn/9780141046358" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Oh Dear Silvia</em></a><em> </em>and <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/185906/according-to-yes-by-french-dawn/9781405921558" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>According to YES</em>,</a> are all <em>Sunday Times</em> bestsellers.&nbsp;</p><br><p>For more information about the National Year of Reading, click here <a href="https://goallin.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://goallin.org.uk</a>&nbsp;</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What are the best novels about infidelity? With Sophie Mackintosh

<p>What’s&nbsp;the difference between flash fiction and&nbsp;the&nbsp;short&nbsp;story?&nbsp;Why&nbsp;are we drawn to&nbsp;literature’s most&nbsp;flawed&nbsp;characters?&nbsp;And what would&nbsp;be the ideal fictional&nbsp;world&nbsp;for adulterers?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><br><p>Hosted by Rhianna Dhillon, on this episode&nbsp;of&nbsp;<em>Ask&nbsp;Penguin</em>,&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;answering your questions with&nbsp;our&nbsp;best&nbsp;book recommendations and talking to Booker Prize-longlisted&nbsp;novelist Sophie Mackintosh about her new novel&nbsp;<em>Permanence</em>. The book&nbsp;follows&nbsp;Clara and Francis&nbsp;– a couple in love,&nbsp;but&nbsp;in&nbsp;secret. When they&nbsp;wake in a strange city, they can finally be together. But as they&nbsp;move&nbsp;between this world and their ordinary&nbsp;lives,&nbsp;cracks begin to show,&nbsp;and&nbsp;they are forced to ask&nbsp;-&nbsp;how&nbsp;long can their&nbsp;love survive?&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><br><p>Discover all the books mentioned in this episode <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/the-best-novels-about-infidelity-ask-penguin-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a></p><br><p>Sophie Mackintosh&nbsp;is the author of four novels, including&nbsp;<em>The Water Cure&nbsp;</em>and&nbsp;<em>Cursed Bread.&nbsp;</em>She has been longlisted for the Man Booker Prize and the Women's Prize, has won a Betty Trask Award, and has been selected as one of Granta's Best of Young British Novelists. She has been published in&nbsp;<em>Granta, The White Review&nbsp;</em>and&nbsp;<em>TANK&nbsp;</em>magazine<em>&nbsp;</em>among others.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><br><p><br></p><p>For more information about the National Year of Reading, click here <a href="https://goallin.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://goallin.org.uk</a>&nbsp;</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What is a must-read book to make me laugh? With Bryony Gordon

<p>How did Marian Keyes inspire Bryony Gordon’s writing?&nbsp;How do you&nbsp;write about family without falling into&nbsp;stereotypes?&nbsp;Which books capture the messy reality of life?&nbsp;And&nbsp;what is your favourite habit to fit reading into your life?&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><br><p>The&nbsp;<em>Ask Penguin</em>&nbsp;team&nbsp;returns with&nbsp;a&nbsp;shelf-load&nbsp;of&nbsp;must-read book&nbsp;recommendations&nbsp;-&nbsp;and&nbsp;this week,&nbsp;we're&nbsp;joined by&nbsp;bestselling&nbsp;author,&nbsp;journalist, and&nbsp;podcaster&nbsp;Bryony Gordon to&nbsp;discuss&nbsp;her debut novel,&nbsp;<em>People Pleaser.&nbsp;</em>&nbsp;</p><br><p>The novel follows<em>&nbsp;</em>Olivia Greenwood,&nbsp;a self-confessed people pleaser&nbsp;who,&nbsp;after&nbsp;one chaotic&nbsp;night out, decides&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;time&nbsp;to&nbsp;start&nbsp;living&nbsp;life&nbsp;on her own terms. Bryony Gordon is a columnist, author, and host of the podcast&nbsp;<em>The Life of Bryony</em>. She is the author of several bestselling books, including&nbsp;<em>Mad Girl</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>You Got This</em>, both Sunday Times No.1 bestsellers and British Book Award&nbsp;nominees, and&nbsp;is a passionate advocate for mental health,&nbsp;founding Mental Health Mates, a global peer support network.&nbsp;<em>People Pleaser</em>&nbsp;is her&nbsp;first&nbsp;novel.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Discover all the books mentioned in this episode <a href=" https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/must-read-book-to-make-me-laugh-bryony-gordon/?utm_campaign=PodcastEpisode7&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a></p><br><p>For more information about the National Year of Reading click here <a href="https://goallin.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://goallin.org.uk</a>&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Why I wanted to adapt Wuthering Heights with Emerald Fennell

<p>Is <em>Wuthering Heights</em> the perfect novel or the perfect work of art? Why do we fall in love with villains? Is all love doomed? And if Emerald Fennell could adapt another book to film, what would she choose?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In this special episode of <em>Ask Penguin</em>, we speak to the director of <em>Wuthering Heights</em>' latest adaptation, Emerald Fennell, about her relationship to Emily Brontë's novel, how she went about interpreting such a complex classic, and what she wants audiences to take away from her vision.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also joining us in the studio are authors Henry Eliott and Harriet Evans, as we deep-dive into the book, the film, and the life of the Brontës.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Discover more about this episode and all the books by clicking <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/ask-penguin-podcast-why-i-wanted-to-adapt-wuthering-heights-emerald-fennell/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a></p><br><p>Watch Emerald Fennell's interview on <a href="https://youtu.be/8HiN19bNShs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YouTube</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What secrets does Jane Austen's house hold?

<p>In this special bonus episode, and to mark Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, we step inside her home in Alton to uncover the life she lived there and the objects she treasured most. From first editions to her own annotated books which formed her personal library, we explore how her surroundings and daily routines shaped her writing - and how walking through her rooms brings her world vividly to life.</p><br><p><br></p><p>Discover all our episode transcripts and book recommendations at <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/podcast?utm_campaign=JaneAustenbonus&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Penguin.co.uk</a> </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Love everything Jane Austen? Visit all our features and beautiful editions of all her works by clicking: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/11107/jane-austen?utm_campaign=JaneAustenbonus&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jane Austen</a> </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Follow in our footsteps and find out more aout her home and plan your visit by clicking: <a href="https://janeaustens.house/?utm_campaign=JaneAustenbonus&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jane Austen's House</a> </p><br><p>Ask Penguin will be back in the New Year. Until then, Happy Reading! </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What were the best books of 2025?

<p>What were our favourite books of the year and what are we most excited to read in 2026? Join the team behind the <em>Ask Penguin</em> podcast to look back at standout titles, memorable podcast moments, and the reading intentions we’re taking into the New Year.</p><br><p>Explore all the books mentioned on this episode:<a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/what-makes-a-setting-feel-so-vivid-it-becomes-a-character-ask-penguin/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/ask-penguin-podcast-best-books-of-2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here</a></p><br><p><em>Ask Penguin </em>will be back in 2026. Find us on Insatgram @PenguinUKBooks and follow our Broadcast channel for exclusive content, giveaways and your chance to put your questions to your favourite authors! </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What makes a setting feel so vivid it becomes a character? With Paula Hawkins

<p>Which novels are truly unputdownable and what should you read on a dark winter's night? We’re joined by best-selling author, <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/222972/paula-hawkins" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Paula Hawkins</em></a>, who discusses art, love and remote islands in her latest thriller, <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/463398/the-blue-hour-by-hawkins-paula/9781804995334" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Blue Hour</em></a>. She also helps us tackle your listener questions with a stack of gripping recommendations to guide you to your next great read. </p><br><p>Explore all the books mentioned on this episode:<a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/what-makes-a-setting-feel-so-vivid-it-becomes-a-character-ask-penguin/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Click here</a></p><br><p>Paula Hawkins worked as a journalist for fifteen years before writing her first novel. Born and brought up in Zimbabwe, she moved to London in 1989. Her first thriller&nbsp;<em>The Girl on the Train</em>&nbsp;became a global phenomenon, selling over 23 million copies. Published in over fifty languages, it was a No.1 bestseller around the world and a box-office-hit film starring Emily Blunt.</p><br><p>Paula's subsequent thrillers have all been instant&nbsp;<em>Sunday Times</em>&nbsp;bestsellers. In 2021&nbsp;<em>A Slow Fire Burning</em>&nbsp;was nominated for Thriller of the Year at the British Book Awards, and in 2025&nbsp;<em>The Blue Hour&nbsp;</em>was voted the&nbsp;<em>Good Housekeeping</em>&nbsp;Good Books winner.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What is the best translated fiction to read? With Karl Ove Knausgaard

<p>What are the best new books in Korean fiction? What is the process of translating a book into English? And how do you evoke a sense of place you haven't visited?</p><p>This week we sat down with award-winning and internationally best-selling author, <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/226642/karl-ove-knausgaard" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Karl Ove Knausgaard</a> to discuss his latest novel, <em>The School of Night</em>.</p><br><p><a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/457862/the-school-of-night-by-knausgaard-karl-ove/9781787304208" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The School of Night</em></a><em> </em>is a Faustian-inspired meditation on art and creativity, the 4th novel in The Morning Star series, and the first in the sequence that can be read as a standalone novel.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Discover all the books mentioned on this episode:<a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/what-is-the-best-translated-fiction-to-read-with-karl-ove-knausgaard" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Click here</a></p><br><p><strong>Karl Ove Knausgaard</strong>'s My Struggle cycle has been heralded as a masterpiece all over the world. From&nbsp;<em>A Death in the Family</em>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<em>The End</em>, the novels move through childhood into adulthood and, together, form an enthralling portrait of human life. Knausgaard has been awarded the Norwegian Critics Prize for Literature, the Brage Prize and the Jerusalem Prize. His work, which also includes the Seasons Quartet and the Morning Star sequence (<em>The Morning Star</em>,&nbsp;<em>The Wolves of Eternity</em>,&nbsp;<em>The Third Realm&nbsp;</em>and&nbsp;<em>The School of Night</em>) is published in thirty-six languages.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Why are generations at war with each other? With Zadie Smith

<p>Which multi-generational novels inspired <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/24575/white-teeth-by-amith-zadie/9781405965958" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>White Teeth</em></a>? Where does <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/26607/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zadie Smith</a> turn for her next great read? And our Penguin team is back to solve your reading dilemmas - whether you're after fascinating memoirs, this year's pick of prize-winning books, or stories perfect for Autumn.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Discover all the books mentioned on this episode: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/ask-penguin-podcast-zadie-smith/?utm_campaign=PodcastZadieSmith&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here</a></p><br><p><br></p><p>Zadie Smtih is one of the most distinctive, exciting and widely loved writers of her generation: she’s the twice shortlisted, once winner of the Women's Prize, also shortlisted for the Booker and has been twice named among Granta’s Best Young British Novelists. Her debut, <em>White Teeth</em>, blazed onto the best-seller lists, and established her as a defining generational voice. Her follow-up work includes the critically and commercially acclaimed <em>NW, On Beauty, </em>and <em>Swing Time.&nbsp;</em>Zadie Smith’s latest work is <em>Dead and Alive: </em>the keenly awaited new collection of essays, in which she brings her unique skills and observations to bear across a dazzling range of subjects.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Is never growing up the secret to great storytelling? With Philip Pullman

<p>What was the inspiration behind Philip Pullman’s <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/413582/his-dark-materials-by-philip-pullman/9781841593425" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Northern Lights series</em></a>? How does he want readers to feel on Lyra’s final adventure in <em>The Rose Field</em>? Has his demon changed now that he has got to the end of this writing journey, and how do you say goodbye to characters you love?</p><br><p>In this special edition of <em>Ask Penguin</em>, host Rhianna Dhillon visits Philip Pullman at his Oxford home, surrounded by books (and barking cockapoos), to mark thirty years&nbsp;since the world met Lyra Belacqua in <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/431141/northern-lights-his-dark-materials-1-by-philip-pullman/9781448196876" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Northern Lights</em></a><em>. </em>The two reflects on a lifetime of storytelling and returning to Lyra’s world one final time in the conclusion of <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/series/BODS/book-of-dust-series" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Book of Dust </em></a>series, <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/312002/the-rose-field-the-book-of-dust-volume-three-by-pullman-philip/9780241458693" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Rose Field</em>.</a></p><br><p>Discover all the books mentioned in this episode here: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/ask-penguin-podcast-phillip-pullman/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a></p><br><p>To put a question to future podcast guests, and for exclusive content and book giveaways, join our Broadcast channel on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/penguinukbooks/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@PenguinUKBooks&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;</p><br><p>Philip Pullman is one of the most highly respected children's authors writing today. Winner of many prestigious awards, including the Carnegie of Carnegies and the Whitbread Award, Pullman’s epic fantasy trilogy&nbsp;<em>His Dark Materials</em>&nbsp;has been acclaimed as a modern classic. It has sold 17.5 million copies worldwide and been translated into 40 languages. In 2005 he was awarded the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. He lives in Oxford.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Is Jane Austen's legacy more than just romantic love? With Andrew Hunter Murray and Gill Hornby

<p>Why do we still love Jane Austen’s novels 250 years later? What makes her stories continue to inspire readers and creators today? And if Jane were alive now, which book would you recommend she read?&nbsp;</p><br><p>In this special episode, recorded at Jane Austen’s family home in Alton, host Rhianna Dhillon is joined by <em>Miss Austen</em> author and president of the Jane Austen Society, Gill Hornby, alongside author and creator of the West End show <em>Austentatious </em>Andrew Hunter Murray, to explore Austen’s legacy and provide some regency-inspired book recommendations.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><br><p>Discover all the books mentioned in this episode here: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/ask-penguin-jane-austen-special/?utm_campaign=JaneAustenEp&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jane Austen Episode</a></p><br><p>Visit Jane Austen’s home: <a href="https://janeaustens.house/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">janeaustens.house</a></p><br><p>To put a question to future podcast guests, and for exclusive content and book giveaways, join our Broadcast channel on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/penguinukbooks/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@PenguinUKBooks&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;</p><br><p>Gill Hornby is a writer and journalist. Her novels <em>Miss Austen</em> and <em>Godmersham Park </em>were <em>Sunday Times </em>bestsellers, and <em>Miss Austen </em>was adapted into a four-part BBC drama starring Keely Hawes as Cassandra Austen. She is also the President of the Jane Austen Society.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Andrew Hunter Murray is a writer, broadcaster and comedian. His first novel, <em>The Last Day</em>, was a <em>Sunday Times</em> Top 10 bestseller, and one of the top 10 fiction debuts of 2020; his second, <em>The Sanctuary</em>, was a Waterstones Thriller of the Month; and his third, <em>A Beginner’s Guide to Breaking and Entering</em>, was shortlisted for the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for comic literature. in 2011, Murray was a founding member of the West End comedy show Austentatious.&nbsp;</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Why do we still laugh when times are hard? With Ocean Vuong

<p>I'm looking for a novel that reads like poetry - where should I start? Can you recommend a queer love story with a happy conclusion? What are the best books that explore small-town life? We put your book dilemmas to bestselling author Ocean Vuong and Penguin Editor and award-winning poet Sarah Howe.</p><br><p>Joining Rhianna this week is Ocean Vuong, whose latest book <em>The Emperor of Gladness</em> has been dubbed the first 'millennial Great American Novel' – but what does that really mean, and which classic American novels have inspired him? The author and poet also reflects on the themes and inspirations behind the book, from small-town Connecticut to intergenerational friendships.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Discover all the books mentioned in this episode <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/ask-penguin-podcast-with-ocean-vuong?utm_campaign=Season 3 episode1 &amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a></p><p>To ask a question and for exclusive content and giveaways join our Broadcast channel on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/penguinukbooks/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@PenguinUKBooks&nbsp;</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ocean Vuong is an award-winning poet, essayist and novelist. He is the winner of the T. S. Eliot Prize for his poetry collection Night<em> Sky with Exit Wounds, </em>and his debut novel <em>On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous</em> was a literary sensation, going on to sell more than a million copies. Amongst many other accolades, he was a recipient of the MacArthur ‘Genius Grant’ in 2019 and The Whiting Award in 2016.&nbsp;</p><br><p><em>The Emperor of Gladness</em>, Vuong’s latest novel, explores themes of chosen family and the ways in which our lives can be changed by the most unexpected people.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Sarah Howe is Poetry Editor for Chatto &amp; Windus an imprint of Penguin as well as an award-winning author. Sarah’s first collection, <em>Loop of Jade</em> won the T. S. Eliot Prize in 2015, and the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year award the same year. Her follow-up collection<em>,</em> <em>Foretokens</em>, continues to explore ideas and complications of belonging, identity and inheritance.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Which books shocked and shaped our society? With Simon Prosser and Jack Edwards

<p>Outrageous, iconic and unforgettable -&nbsp;these are some of the books Penguin have been publishing over its 90-year history. As part of a special content series called 'The books that shaped us' on Penguin.co.uk, we invited readers from the world of publishing, comedy, and music to explore must-read titles across the decades. The Internet's resident librarian Jack Edwards and Penguin editor Simon Prosser discuss their curated reading lists, and explore the impact of the books that shocked society and became pop culture phenomena in this special episode, recorded live at Waterstones Picadilly</p><br><p>Find all the books mentioned in this episode and more by clicking this link: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/the-penguin-podcast-with-jack-edwards-and-editor-simon-prosser?utm_campaign=Waterstones&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Penguin Podcast Waterstones Special</a></p><p>Follow our dedicated Broadcast channel on Instagram for exclusive content and giveaways: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/penguinukbooks?igsh=N2VoM3pyMjN1Nm1y?utm_campaign=PodcastLatitude&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@PenguinUKBooks </a></p><br><p>Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk</p><p>Website: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcast?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Book+Club+Books&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.penguin.co.uk/podcast</a></p><br><p><br></p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Which books defined a generation? with Irvine Welsh and Derek Owusu

<p>What would you recommend an inspiring writer to read? What is the best gateway book to get into reading? Who are the new and upcoming Scottish novelists working today to watch out for?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Recorded live at Latitude Festival, Irvine Welsh sits down with host Rhianna Dhillon to delve into&nbsp;his new novel <em>Men in Love</em>, the eagerly awaited sequel to <em>Trainspotting</em>, which explores the vibrant landscape of youth culture through the decades and the nuances of defining a generation through the arts. Plus, award-winning author and Penguin colleague Derek Owusu joins the panel, providing personalised book recommendations to audience members.&nbsp;We also speak to readers at the festival and ask them: what is the book that defined your youth?&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><br><p>Find all the books mentioned in this episode and more at by clicking this link: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/the-penguin-podcast-latitude-special/?utm_campaign=PodcastLatitude&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Penguin Podcast: Latitude special</a></p><p>Follow our dedicated Broadcast channel on Instagram for exclusive content and giveaways: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/penguinukbooks?igsh=N2VoM3pyMjN1Nm1y?utm_campaign=PodcastLatitude&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@PenguinUKBooks </a></p><br><p>Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk</p><p>Website: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcast?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Book+Club+Books&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.penguin.co.uk/podcast</a></p><br><p>Irvine Welsh was born and raised in Edinburgh. His first novel, <em>Trainspotting</em>, has sold over one million copies in the UK and was adapted into an era-defining film. He has written fourteen further novels, including the number one Sunday Times bestseller <em>Dead Men’s Trousers</em>, four books of shorter fiction and numerous plays and screenplays. Irvine Welsh currently lives between London, Edinburgh and Miami.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Derek Owusu is a writer, poet and podcaster from north London. He discovered his passion for literature at the age of twenty-three while studying exercise science at university. Unable to afford a change of degree, Derek began reading voraciously and sneaking into English Literature lectures at the University of Manchester. Derek first book <em>That Reminds Me</em>, won the Desmond Elliott Prize 2020 and his new novel <em>Recovery House</em> will be published in 2026.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How did penguin turn the UK into a nation of readers? with Kate Mosse

<p>From the paperback revolution to the obscenity trial that made&nbsp;<em>Lady Chatterley’s Lover</em>&nbsp;famous, we explore how Penguin turned the UK into a nation of readers as we celebrate our 90th&nbsp;birthday. Host Rhianna Dhillon speaks to Kate Mosse, international bestselling author,&nbsp;activist&nbsp;and Founder&nbsp;Director&nbsp;of the Women’s Prize&nbsp;for Fiction and Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction, and Zainab Juma, Penguin’s Head of Brand, about Penguin’s origin story, mission, and cultural influence over the past 90 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><br><p>Explore the full list of books discussed on this episode and read the transcript by visiting: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/the-penguin-podcast-special-how-penguin-turned-the-uk-into-a-nation-of-readers/utm_campaign=Birthdayepisode&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">90th Birthday special: How Penguin turned the UK into a nation of readers</a></p><br><p>Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk</p><br><p>Website: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcast?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Queer+Literature&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.penguin.co.uk/podcast</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What should you read this summer? With Anthony Horowitz

<p><br></p><p>What are the books that give you all the Summer feels? Can you recommend the perfect thrillers to take on holiday? And which books evoke the song&nbsp;<em>Summertime Sadness</em>&nbsp;by Lana Del Rey? We put your questions to our panel of Penguin experts and speak with <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/454828/marble-hall-murders-by-horowitz-anthony/9781529904345?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Summer+Reads&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Marble Hall Murders</em></a> author <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/185113/anthony-horowitz?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Summer+reads&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Anthony Horowitz</a> about his final book in the Magpie Murders series. </p><br><p>Explore the full list of books discussed on this episode and read the transcript by visiting: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/the-penguin-podcast-series-2-episode-6-summer-reads?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Summer+Reads&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Season 2, Episode 6: Summer Reads</a></p><br><p>Want to have your say on what's next for Ask Penguin? <a href="https://tinyurl.com/PodcastPRH?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Summer+Reads&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here!</a></p><br><p>Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk</p><br><p>Website: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcast?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Summer+Reads&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.penguin.co.uk/podcast</a></p><br><p>Bestselling author&nbsp;<strong>Anthony Horowitz</strong>&nbsp;has written two highly acclaimed Sherlock Holmes novels,&nbsp;<em>The House of Silk</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>Moriarty</em>; three James Bond novels,&nbsp;<em>Trigger Mortis</em>,&nbsp;<em>Forever and a Day</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>With a Mind to Kill</em>; the acclaimed bestselling mystery novels&nbsp;<em>Magpie Murders</em>,&nbsp;<em>Moonflower Murders</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>Marble Hall Murders</em>; and the Detective Hawthorne novels,&nbsp;<em>The Word is Murder, The Sentence is Death</em>,&nbsp;<em>A Line To Kill</em>,&nbsp;<em>The Twist of a Knife</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>Close to Death</em>.</p><br><p>He is also the author of the teen spy Alex Rider series, and ris esponsible for creating and writing some of the UK’s most loved and successful TV series, including&nbsp;<em>Midsomer Murders</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>Foyle’s War</em>. In January 2022 he was awarded a CBE for his services to literature.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What can fiction teach us about queer history? with Charlie Porter

<p>This week on the Penguin Podcast we talk to writer, critic and curator <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/139874/charlie-porter?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Queer+Literature&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Charlie Porter</a> about his novel <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/464548/nova-scotia-house-by-porter-charlie/9780241721049?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Queer+Literature&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Nova Scotia House</em></a>, discuss queer books and the importance of hearing queer voices in art. Plus we provide plenty of book recommendations for LGBTQ+ stories.</p><br><p>Explore the full list of books discussed on this episode and read the transcript by visiting: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/the-penguin-podcast-series-2-episode-5-queer-literature/?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Queer+Literature&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Season 2, Episode 5: Queer Literature</a></p><br><p>Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk</p><br><p>Website: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcast?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Queer+Literature&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.penguin.co.uk/podcast</a></p><br><p>Charlie's <em>Nova Scotia House</em> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6X64Kbox7lHSfqY5I6sh97?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Queer+Literature&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">playlist</a></p><br><p>k0ELQR3nAZkyaGf26GZP</p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What are the best book club books? with Yrsa Daley-Ward

<p>Whether you are in a book club or fancy starting your own, we have the book recommendations and conversation starters to make it a success! Plus we talk to Merky books author <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/133180/yrsa-daley-ward" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Yrsa Daley-Ward</a> about her first novel <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/460182/the-catch-by-daley-ward-yrsa/9781529923643?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Book+Club+Books&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Catch</em></a>.</p><br><p>Explore the full list of books discussed on this episode and read the transcript by visiting: <a href="the-penguin-podcast-series-2-episode-4-book-club-books?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Book+club+books&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Season 2, Episode 4: Book Club Books</a></p><br><p>Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk</p><br><p>Website: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcast?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Book+Club+Books&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.penguin.co.uk/podcast</a></p><br><p>Yrsa's Substack: <a href="https://yrsadaleyward.substack.com?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Book+club+books&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>the utter</em></a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What are the must read debut novelists of the year? (2025)

<p>What is it like to write and publish your first ever novel? We find out by asking the authors <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/301478/william-rayfet-hunter?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Debut+Authors&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">William Rayfet Hunter</a> (<a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/458929/sunstruck-by-hunter-william-rayfet/9781529919790?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Debut+Books&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Sunstruck</em></a>), <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/121631/catherine-airey?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Debut+Authors&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Catherine Airey</a> (<a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/459950/confessions-by-airey-catherine/9780241675182?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Debut+Books&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Confessions</em></a>), and <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/305946/fiza-saeed-mclynn?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Debut+Authors&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fiza Saeed McLynn</a> (<a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/462582/the-midnight-carousel-by-mclynn-fiza-saeed/9780241715208?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Debut+Books&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Midnight Carousel</em></a>). Speaking to host Rhianna Dhillon, they discuss their different experiences writing their debut books, where they found their inspiration, and personal book recommendations ranging from fantasy to working-class fiction.</p><br><p>Explore the full list of the books discussed on this episode and read the transcript by visiting: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/the-penguin-podcast-series-2-episode-3-debut-books?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Debut+Authors&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Season 2, Episode 3: Debut Books</a></p><br><p>Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.</p><br><p>Website: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcast?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Debut+Books&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.penguin.co.uk/podcast</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What are the best romance books? With Emily Henry

<p>Bestselling author, and Queen of the Romantic comedy novel, <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/144452/emily-henry?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Love+and+romance&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Emily Henry</a> joins us on this week's episode to discuss her brand new book, <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/455133/great-big-beautiful-life-by-henry-emily/9780241739860?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Love+and+romance&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Great Big Beautiful Life</em></a>, novels full of spice, and which fictional character makes the best book boyfriend. And as ever we solve your book dilemmas with a wide range of romantic fiction recommendations.</p><br><p>Explore the full list of the books discussed on this episode and read the transcript by visiting: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/the-penguin-podcast-series-2-episode-2-love-and-romance?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Love+and+romance&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Season 2, Episode 2: Love and Romance</a></p><br><p>And you can download the audiobook here: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/455133/great-big-beautiful-life-by-henry-emily/9781405971133?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Love+and+romance&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Great Big Beautiful Life Audiobook</a></p><br><p>Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.</p><br><p>Website: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcast?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Love+and+romance&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.penguin.co.uk/podcast</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Why are children’s books so much fun to read? with Greg James and Chris Smith

<p>This week on the Penguin Podcast we jump into the exciting world of children's books and chat to <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/145492/greg-james?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Childrens+books&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Greg James</a> and <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/145493/chris-smith?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Childrens+books&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chris Smith</a> about their new book <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/319592/the-kid-who-fell-through-time-by-smith-greg-james-and-chris/9780241470572?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Childrens+books&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Kid Who Fell Through Time</em></a>. Plus we explore why there is a reading for pleasure crisis and the ways we can encourage kids to read, and we provide plenty of recommendations for children, whatever their age.</p><br><p>Explore the full list of the books discussed on this episode and read the transcript by visiting: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/the-penguin-podcast-series-2-episode-1-childrens-books?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Childrens+books&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Season 2, Episode 1: Children's Books</a></p><br><p>Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk </p><p>Follow our dedicated Broadcast channel on Instagram for exclusive content and giveaways: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/penguinukbooks?igsh=N2VoM3pyMjN1Nm1y?utm_campaign=PodcastLatitude&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@PenguinUKBooks </a></p><br><p>Website: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcast?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Childrens+books&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.penguin.co.uk/podcast</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Ask Penguin Series 2 Trailer

<p><em>The Penguin Podcast</em> is back for another series of <em>Ask Penguin</em>. 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.</p><br><p>The new series launches on Thursday 10th April with a children’s books special and across the series we’ll be covering themes such as Romance, Book Club Books and must-reads for your summer holidays, with episodes featuring your favourite authors.</p><br><p>If you’re looking for a book recommendation, follow us on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/penguinukbooks?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Trailer&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@penguinukbooks</a> or send us your questions for a chance to be featured by emailing: <a href="mailto:penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk</a>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Don't forget to follow the show, so you never miss an episode!</p><br><p>Find out more: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/podcast?utm_campaign=Ask+Penguin+Series+2+Trailer&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/podcast</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Jodi Picoult on the theory behind Shakespeare’s plays

<p>In our final bonus episode from&nbsp;<em>The Penguin Podcast</em>, bestselling author&nbsp;<a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/11760/jodi-picoult?utm_campaign=BonusEpisode5&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jodi Picoult&nbsp;</a>shares her theory on the true author behind Shakespeare's plays that inspired her new novel,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/459200/by-any-other-name-by-picoult-jodi/9780241676042?utm_campaign=BonusEpisode5&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>By Any Other Name</em></a>.</p><br><p>Explore the full list of the books discussed in this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/2025/01/jodi-picoult-on-the-theory-behind-shakespeares-plays?utm_campaign=BonusEpisode5&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bonus Episode 5</a></p><br><p>Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.</p><p>Website: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/60eecaf21f9831001383c3bf/shows/60eecae845fc69e6c03398b2/episodes/www.penguin.co.uk/podcast?utm_campaign=BonusEpisode1&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.penguin.co.uk/podcast</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

A day in the life of a Publicist with Alison Barrow

<p>In this bonus episode we speak with Alison Barrow, Publicity Director at Penguin Books, to explore the fascinating world of book publicity. Alison shares insights into her role, offering a glimpse into her daily life as she works with authors and connects their books with readers.</p><br><p>Explore the full list of the books discussed in this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/2025/01/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-publicist-with-alison-barrow?utm_campaign=BonusEpisode4&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bonus Episode 4</a></p><br><p>Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.</p><p>Website: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/60eecaf21f9831001383c3bf/shows/60eecae845fc69e6c03398b2/episodes/www.penguin.co.uk/podcast?utm_campaign=BonusEpisode1&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.penguin.co.uk/podcast</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The human experience and AI with Jeanette Winterson

<p>In this bonus episode from The Penguin Podcast, Episode 11 - Winter Reads, Jeanette Winterson shares her fascinating perspective on our relationship with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the evolution of human consciousness.</p><br><p>Explore the full list of the books discussed on this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/2025/01/the-human-experience-and-ai-with-jeanette-winterson?utm_campaign=bonusepisode2&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bonus Episode 3</a></p><br><p>Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.</p><p>Website: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/60eecaf21f9831001383c3bf/shows/60eecae845fc69e6c03398b2/episodes/www.penguin.co.uk/podcast?utm_campaign=BonusEpisode1&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.penguin.co.uk/podcast</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

A day in the life of a Books Editor with Simon Prosser

<p>Ever wondered what the role of an Editor at Penguin Books involves? In our second bonus episode, Rhianna speaks with Publishing Director, Simon Prosser about what a typical day of an editor is like and when they ever get time to read! Simon is the editor of many award-winning authors such as Bernardine Evaristo, Zadie Smith, and Micheal Magee.</p><br><p>Explore the full list of the books discussed in this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/2025/01/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-books-editor-with-simon-prosser?utm_campaign=bonusepisode2&amp;utm_source=penguinwebsite&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bonus Episode 2</a></p><br><p>Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.</p><p>Website: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/60eecaf21f9831001383c3bf/shows/60eecae845fc69e6c03398b2/episodes/www.penguin.co.uk/podcast?utm_campaign=BonusEpisode1&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.penguin.co.uk/podcast</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How to tackle reading the big Classics with Henry Eliot

<p>In a special bonus episode taken from <em>Episode 3: The Classics with Henry Eliot and Gill Hornby</em> we share author and editor Henry Eliot's tips on tackling some of Classics' biggest tomes.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Explore the full list of the books discussed on this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/2025/01/how-to-tackle-reading-the-big-classics-with-henry-eliott?utm_campaign=BonusEpisode1&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bonus Episode 1</a></p><br><p>Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.</p><p>Website: <a href="www.penguin.co.uk/podcast?utm_campaign=BonusEpisode1&amp;utm_source=acast&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_camteam=penguin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.penguin.co.uk/podcast</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>