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The Book Club

Goalhanger 16 Episodes Aug 17, 2026

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

28. Hemingway’s Spanish Civil War: For Whom The Bell Tolls Aug 17, 2026 4781 How did the Spanish Civil War inspire one of Ernest Hemingway’s greatest novels? Why was Hemingway so captivated by Spain? And, were the characters of For Whom The Bell Tolls inspired by real people? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the context behind Hemingway's writing, and the world of For Whom The Bell Tolls. Exclusions apply. Learn more at https://www.klarna.

27. Brave New World: The Dystopia That Came True? Aug 10, 2026 4954 How does Aldous Huxley satirise roaring twenties America? Is a Brave New World more realistic than 1984? And, what is the novel's Shakespearean connection? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of Brave New World, and the novel itself. Exclusions apply. Learn more at https://www.klarna.com/uk/buyer-protection-description/.

26. Mafia and Mystery: Is ‘My Brilliant Friend’ the Greatest Novel of the Century? Aug 3, 2026 4357 What does My Brilliant Friend tell us about the dark underbelly of Italian society after the Second World War? Who is the mysterious Elena Ferrante? And, how did she craft a heartbreaking parable of escape and love? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind My Brilliant Friend, and the world it was born of. Exclusions apply. Learn more at https:/

25. The Thirty-Nine Steps: The First James Bond Jul 27, 2026 4372 How did the First World War inspire The 39 Steps? Why did John Buchan set the novel in Scotland? And, is the dashing protagonist Richard Hannay, a model for later Spy heroes? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of The 39 Steps, and the world it was born of. Email us: ⁠⁠thebookclub@goalhanger.com⁠⁠ For analysis, book recommend

24. Jane Austen, Nazis and Murder: The Ultimate Summer Reading List Jul 23, 2026 2381 Which books should you take on your summer holiday? How have some of Dominic and Tabby’s favourite destinations shaped these novels? And, what makes a summer classic? Email us: ⁠⁠thebookclub@goalhanger.com⁠⁠ For analysis, book recommendations and more, sign up to our newsletter, Book Club Notes, introduced weekly by Tabby or Dominic. Sign up at: https://www.thebookclubhq.com/  Instagr

23. The Odyssey Retold: Circe, Monsters and Myth Jul 20, 2026 4205 How does Madeline Miller re-work Greek mythology to explore women’s experience? Is Circe the best fantasy novel of the 2010s? And, why do we remain captivated by the world of ancient Greece? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of Circe, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. You can order Circe and explore our favourite F

22. The Leopard: The Greatest Historical Novel Ever Written? Jul 13, 2026 4893 How did Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s family story shape his only novel, The Leopard? Why is The Leopard considered an Italian masterpiece? And, who is the sexiest man ever written? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of The Leopard, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. For analysis, book recommendations and more,

21. The Wind In The Willows: How A Bedtime Story Became An Icon Jul 6, 2026 5563 How did Kenneth Grahame come up with the idea for The Wind In The Willows? Why was the novel initially rejected by publishers? And, what character would Tabby and Dominic be? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of The Wind In The Willows, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. You can order The Wind In The Willows and e

20. Game of Thrones: The Horrifying True Story Behind A Song of Ice and Fire Jun 29, 2026 5226 What real-world historical events and figures inspired the political conflicts in Westeros? Is George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones better than J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings? And, is it likely that George R.R. Martin will ever finish the A Song of Ice and Fire series? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of A Game of T

19. Little Women: The Secret Sadness of a Classic Jun 22, 2026 4614 How did Louisa May Alcott break social and literary conventions? Is Little Women the first coming of age story in a novel? And, what do Tabby and Dominic think of Greta Gerwig’s 2019 film adaption? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of Little Women, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Email us: ⁠⁠thebookclub@goalh

18. The Code Of The Woosters: The Funniest Book Ever Written? Jun 15, 2026 3908 How did P.G. Wodehouse become one of the most widely read humorists of the 20th century? Why have Jeeves and Wooster become such an iconic pairing? And, did P.G. Wodehouse collaborate with the Nazis? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of The Code Of The Woosters, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Email us: ⁠⁠the

17. Oscar Wilde's Downfall: The Picture of Dorian Gray Jun 8, 2026 4928 How did the anxieties of late-Victorian Britain inspire Dorian Gray? Which real people lay behind the characters of Dorian Gray? What were the French Decadents, and how did they influence Wilde? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of The Picture of Dorian Gray, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Email us: ⁠⁠theboo

16. The Hunger Games: Rebellion and Violence In Dystopian America Jun 1, 2026 4544 What does The Hunger Games say about the state of modern America? How did reality TV inspire The Hunger Games? Why did Suzanne Collin's novel become such a sensation with young adults? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of The Hunger Games, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Email us: ⁠⁠thebookclub@goalhanger.com

15. Mrs Dalloway: Woolf, Sexuality, and Change May 25, 2026 5013 What does Mrs Dalloway express about female sexuality and experience? Why did its modernist style cause such controversy? And, what was Virginia Woolf really like? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of Mrs Dalloway, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Email us: ⁠⁠thebookclub@goalhanger.com⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookclu

14. Beloved: Memory, Morrison, and Modern American Fiction May 18, 2026 4792 Who is Beloved, and what is the true historical story that inspired the novel? How does Toni Morrison use magical realism to explore the horror of Slavery? Why has Beloved become such a monumental piece of American fiction? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of Beloved, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Email us

13. The Woman In White: Victorians, Sensation, and Scandal May 11, 2026 4349 How did Wilkie Collins craft one of the earliest examples of detective fiction? What does The Woman In White reveal about the Victorian society? And, why did the novel cause such a sensation? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of The Woman In White, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Email us: ⁠⁠thebookclub@goalh

12. A Court of Thorns and Roses: ''Fairy Smut'' or Fantasy Sensation? May 4, 2026 4510 How was ACOTAR inspired by traditional folklore? Why has the novel become such a mass sensation? And, what is Romantasy? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of A Court Of Thorns and Roses, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Email us: ⁠⁠thebookclub@goalhanger.com⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@bookclubpodhq⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠@thebookcl

11. The Hound of the Baskervilles: Mystery, Folklore, and Sherlock Holmes Apr 27, 2026 4614 The Hound of the Baskervilles: Mystery, Folklore, and Sherlock HolmesWhat is the true story that inspired Arthur Conan Doyle's best-seller? Why have there been so many portrayals of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson in media beyond the novels? Is this the greatest Sherlock story ever told? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of The

10. East Of Eden: Steinbeck, Sin, and Redemption Apr 20, 2026 4122 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: ⁠⁠@

9. Normal People: Class, Ireland, and Heartbreak Apr 13, 2026 4189 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 n

8. Northern Lights: Dogma, Destiny, and Dæmons Apr 6, 2026 4651 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 a

7. Frankenstein: Horror, Humanity, and Hubris Mar 30, 2026 4584 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

6. The Secret History: Dark Academia, Greek Myth, and Murder Mar 24, 2026 4994 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://f

5. Nineteen Eighty-Four: Big Brother, Surveillance, and Fear Mar 17, 2026 5310 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

4. Hamnet: Love, Grief, and Motherhood Mar 10, 2026 4030 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 w

3. The Great Gatsby: Old Money, Murder, and the American Dream Mar 3, 2026 4096 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 behi

2. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro: Cloning, Free Will, and Soulmates Feb 24, 2026 3797 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

1. Wuthering Heights: Passion, Violence, and Revenge on the Moors Feb 17, 2026 3679 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: @bookclubp

The Book Club - Trailer Feb 10, 2026 104 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

The Book Club

Episodes

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