The Book Club

The Book Club

The Book Club, hosted by Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett, brings the historical context behind famous books to life. Each week, the hosts explore a classic or contemporary title, unpacking the world in which it was written and the story behind its author. This is not your typical literature podcast: The Book Club educates AND entertains, leaving you knowing some of the greatest stories ever told.

Episodes

10. East Of Eden: Steinbeck, Sin, and Redemption

April 20, 2026 • 68 mins
Why did Steinbeck consider East of Eden his magnum opus?  What does the novel reveal about human nature? How did Steinbeck interrogate early 20th century American society? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of East Of Eden, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Email us: ⁠⁠thebookclub@goalhanger.com⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookclubpodhq⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠@thebook...
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9. Normal People: Class, Ireland, and Heartbreak

April 13, 2026 • 69 mins
Is Sally Rooney's hit novel really a love story? How does class division impact the love Marianne and Connell feel for each other? Is Rooney creating a relatable story of miscommunication during first loves, or a tale of heartbreak and loss? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of Normal People, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Email us: ⁠⁠thebook...
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8. Northern Lights: Dogma, Destiny, and Dæmons

April 6, 2026 • 77 mins
To what extent is Pullman’s novel a critique of organised religion? How was Northern Lights inspired by Milton's Paradise Lost? And, did Northern Lights reshape the landscape of modern children's literature? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of Northern Lights, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. You can order and explore our favourite Folio book...
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7. Frankenstein: Horror, Humanity, and Hubris

March 30, 2026 • 76 mins
Did Mary Shelley create the first true science fiction novel? Is Frankenstein a philosophical fable? How did Frankenstein inspire countless more horror stories? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of Frankenstein, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. You can order Frankenstein and explore our favourite Folio books at https://foliosociety.com/thebook...
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6. The Secret History: Dark Academia, Greek Myth, and Murder

March 23, 2026 • 83 mins
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 Emai...
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5. Nineteen Eighty-Four: Big Brother, Surveillance, and Fear

March 16, 2026 • 88 mins
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 a...
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4. Hamnet: Love, Grief, and Motherhood

March 9, 2026 • 67 mins
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 ...
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3. The Great Gatsby: Old Money, Murder, and the American Dream

March 2, 2026 • 68 mins
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,...
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2. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro: Cloning, Free Will, and Soulmates

February 23, 2026 • 63 mins
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. Ema...
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1. Wuthering Heights: Passion, Violence, and Revenge on the Moors

February 16, 2026 • 61 mins
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 ...
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The Book Club - Trailer

February 10, 2026 • 1 min
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...
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