Ask Penguin

What can Little Women teach modern boys about sisterhood? How does food become a language of love and grief? How does writing in a third language shape your creative rhythm? And why can finishing a masterpiece feel like a tragedy? This week on Ask Penguin, Rhianna is joined by bestselling, award-winning novelist Elif Shafak to talk about her latest novel, In One Brief Moment All Eternity, a vivid reimagining of Gustave Flaubert’s life, told through the women who knew him, including his most famous creation, Emma Bovary. Together they explore the stories and people history often forgets, why the world needs fiction more than ever, and what drew Shafak to Flaubert’s world. Plus, we answer your listening questions and, as ever, send you away with plenty of brilliant books to add to your reading pile Discover all the books mentioned in this episode here About the guest Elif Shafak is an award-winning British-Turkish novelist and storyteller. She has published 21 books, 13 of which are novels and her books have…

How do you begin breaking down a 600-page American epic to bring it to the screen? How did Florence Pugh capture the essence of the central character Cathy? How did John Steinbeck’s secret writing journals help the screenwriters? And what should you read next if you loved reading - or watching - East of Eden? We kick off our next series of Ask Penguin with a special episode dedicated to Netflix’s lavish new period drama, East of Eden, adapted from John Steinbeck’s epic American family saga. Rhianna Dhillon is joined by co-showrunner, writer and executive producer Zoe Kazan, and co-showrunner and executive producer Jeb Stuart, to discuss their vision for bringing the book to life on screen. East of Eden is now available on Netflix Audiobook is extracted from: Here Discover all the books mentioned in this episode here About the guests Zoe Kazan is an American actress and writer. She has acted in films such as The Savages, Revolutionary Road, and It's Complicated. She also starred in the HBO miniseries Olive…

Can you read a cookbook cover-to-cover like a thriller? Does your reading level predict a longer life? Why is a punk chef’s memoir the ultimate weapon for reluctant readers? And how do we inspire children to read if we don’t have the time to read to them? In this special episode of Ask Penguin, Rhianna sits down with children’s author and illustrator, Nadia Shireen, and Jonathan Douglas CBE, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust. Together, they discuss the National Year of Reading’s Go All In campaign and why reading for pleasure has the power to change lives and help tackle social inequality. Plus, we answer your questions about the reluctant readers in your life, helping you find the perfect book to spark a lifelong love of reading. Discover all the books mentioned in this episode here About the guests Nadia Shireen is a writer and illustrator. She enjoyed making homemade magazines and comics as a child. She studied law at university and then worked in magazine journalism; it was during this time…

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? In this episode of Ask Penguin, Rhianna is joined by visionary creative duo, Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris to discuss their latest collaboration, The Books of Birds, 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. Discover all the books mentioned in this episode here About the book The Book of Birds 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…

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? In this episode of Ask Penguin, Rihanna Dillon sits down with bestselling author and crime fiction favourite Abir Mukherjee to discuss his new Mumbai-set satire The Pinnacle, alongside brilliant book recommendations from Abir and the Penguin team. Discover all the books mentioned in this episode here About the book 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 the Pinnacle. A place where murder meets luxury and the world’s most privileged depend on the most desperate. About the author…

What are the best books get you out of a reading slump? How did Snakes on a Plane inspire a literary sensation? What did James Joyce and Pakistani rap teach one of our debut novelists? And does a writer need to be completely delusional to finish writing a novel? This week on Ask Penguin we sit down with three breakout debut authors, Angela Tomaski, Sufiyaan Salam, and Madeline Cash, 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. Discover all the books mentioned in this episode here About the books Wimmy Road Boyz is a blistering story of masculinity, violence and love set over the course of a single, surreal night, told in energetic and cinematic prose. The Infamous Gilberts 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. Lost Lambs…

How does artist Kae Tempest inspire Dawn French? Do editors always know best? What is the impact of grief on those we love most? And what really happened when Dawn French came face to face with a hippo while filming Harry Potter? In this episode of Ask Penguin, Rhianna Dhillon sits down with bestselling author and comedy legend Dawn French to discuss her moving new novel Enough, alongside brilliant book recommendations from Dawn and the Penguin team. Discover all the books mentioned in this episode here About the book Enough, 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. About the author Dawn French 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 French and Saunders, The Vicar of Dibley, Jam and Jerusalem,…

What’s the difference between flash fiction and the short story? Why are we drawn to literature’s most flawed characters? And what would be the ideal fictional world for adulterers? Hosted by Rhianna Dhillon, on this episode of Ask Penguin, we’re answering your questions with our best book recommendations and talking to Booker Prize-longlisted novelist Sophie Mackintosh about her new novel Permanence. The book follows Clara and Francis – a couple in love, but in secret. When they wake in a strange city, they can finally be together. But as they move between this world and their ordinary lives, cracks begin to show, and they are forced to ask - how long can their love survive? Discover all the books mentioned in this episode here Sophie Mackintosh is the author of four novels, including The Water Cure and Cursed Bread. 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…

How did Marian Keyes inspire Bryony Gordon’s writing? How do you write about family without falling into stereotypes? Which books capture the messy reality of life? And what is your favourite habit to fit reading into your life? The Ask Penguin team returns with a shelf-load of must-read book recommendations - and this week, we're joined by bestselling author, journalist, and podcaster Bryony Gordon to discuss her debut novel, People Pleaser. The novel follows Olivia Greenwood, a self-confessed people pleaser who, after one chaotic night out, decides it’s time to start living life on her own terms. Bryony Gordon is a columnist, author, and host of the podcast The Life of Bryony. She is the author of several bestselling books, including Mad Girl and You Got This, both Sunday Times No.1 bestsellers and British Book Award nominees, and is a passionate advocate for mental health, founding Mental Health Mates, a global peer support network. People Pleaser is her first novel. Discover all the books mentioned in…

Is Wuthering Heights 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? In this special episode of Ask Penguin, we speak to the director of Wuthering Heights' 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. 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. Discover more about this episode and all the books by clicking here Watch Emerald Fennell's interview on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Discover all our episode transcripts and book recommendations at Penguin.co.uk Love everything Jane Austen? Visit all our features and beautiful editions of all her works by clicking: Jane Austen Follow in our footsteps and find out more aout her home and plan your visit by clicking: Jane Austen's House Ask Penguin will be back in the New Year. Until then, Happy Reading! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What were our favourite books of the year and what are we most excited to read in 2026? Join the team behind the Ask Penguin podcast to look back at standout titles, memorable podcast moments, and the reading intentions we’re taking into the New Year. Explore all the books mentioned on this episode: Click here Ask Penguin 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Which novels are truly unputdownable and what should you read on a dark winter's night? We’re joined by best-selling author, Paula Hawkins, who discusses art, love and remote islands in her latest thriller, The Blue Hour. She also helps us tackle your listener questions with a stack of gripping recommendations to guide you to your next great read. Explore all the books mentioned on this episode: Click here 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 The Girl on the Train 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. Paula's subsequent thrillers have all been instant Sunday Times bestsellers. In 2021 A Slow Fire Burning was nominated for Thriller of the Year at the British Book Awards, and in 2025 The Blue Hour was voted the Good Housekeeping Good…

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? This week we sat down with award-winning and internationally best-selling author, Karl Ove Knausgaard to discuss his latest novel, The School of Night. The School of Night 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. Discover all the books mentioned on this episode: Click here Karl Ove Knausgaard's My Struggle cycle has been heralded as a masterpiece all over the world. From A Death in the Family to The End, 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 (The Morning Star, The…

Which multi-generational novels inspired White Teeth? Where does Zadie Smith 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. Discover all the books mentioned on this episode: Click here 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, White Teeth, blazed onto the best-seller lists, and established her as a defining generational voice. Her follow-up work includes the critically and commercially acclaimed NW, On Beauty, and Swing Time. Zadie Smith’s latest work is Dead and Alive: the keenly awaited new collection of essays, in which she brings her unique skills and observations to bear across a dazzling range of subjects. Hosted on…

What was the inspiration behind Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights series? How does he want readers to feel on Lyra’s final adventure in The Rose Field? 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? In this special edition of Ask Penguin, host Rhianna Dhillon visits Philip Pullman at his Oxford home, surrounded by books (and barking cockapoos), to mark thirty years since the world met Lyra Belacqua in Northern Lights. The two reflects on a lifetime of storytelling and returning to Lyra’s world one final time in the conclusion of The Book of Dust series, The Rose Field. Discover all the books mentioned in this episode here: here To put a question to future podcast guests, and for exclusive content and book giveaways, join our Broadcast channel on Instagram: @PenguinUKBooks 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…

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? In this special episode, recorded at Jane Austen’s family home in Alton, host Rhianna Dhillon is joined by Miss Austen author and president of the Jane Austen Society, Gill Hornby, alongside author and creator of the West End show Austentatious Andrew Hunter Murray, to explore Austen’s legacy and provide some regency-inspired book recommendations. Discover all the books mentioned in this episode here: Jane Austen Episode Visit Jane Austen’s home: janeaustens.house To put a question to future podcast guests, and for exclusive content and book giveaways, join our Broadcast channel on Instagram: @PenguinUKBooks Gill Hornby is a writer and journalist. Her novels Miss Austen and Godmersham Park were Sunday Times bestsellers, and Miss Austen was adapted into a four-part BBC drama starring Keely Hawes as Cassandra…

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. Joining Rhianna this week is Ocean Vuong, whose latest book The Emperor of Gladness 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. Discover all the books mentioned in this episode here To ask a question and for exclusive content and giveaways join our Broadcast channel on Instagram: @PenguinUKBooks 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 Sky with Exit Wounds, and his debut novel…

Outrageous, iconic and unforgettable - 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 Find all the books mentioned in this episode and more by clicking this link: The Penguin Podcast Waterstones Special Follow our dedicated Broadcast channel on Instagram for exclusive content and giveaways: @PenguinUKBooks Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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? Recorded live at Latitude Festival, Irvine Welsh sits down with host Rhianna Dhillon to delve into his new novel Men in Love, the eagerly awaited sequel to Trainspotting, 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. We also speak to readers at the festival and ask them: what is the book that defined your youth? Find all the books mentioned in this episode and more at by clicking this link: The Penguin Podcast: Latitude special Follow our dedicated Broadcast channel on Instagram for exclusive content and giveaways: @PenguinUKBooks Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk Website:…

From the paperback revolution to the obscenity trial that made Lady Chatterley’s Lover famous, we explore how Penguin turned the UK into a nation of readers as we celebrate our 90th birthday. Host Rhianna Dhillon speaks to Kate Mosse, international bestselling author, activist and Founder Director of the Women’s Prize 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. Explore the full list of books discussed on this episode and read the transcript by visiting: 90th Birthday special: How Penguin turned the UK into a nation of readers Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Summertime Sadness by Lana Del Rey? We put your questions to our panel of Penguin experts and speak with Marble Hall Murders author Anthony Horowitz about his final book in the Magpie Murders series. Explore the full list of books discussed on this episode and read the transcript by visiting: Season 2, Episode 6: Summer Reads Want to have your say on what's next for Ask Penguin? Click here! Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Bestselling author Anthony Horowitz has written two highly acclaimed Sherlock Holmes novels, The House of Silk and Moriarty; three James Bond novels, Trigger Mortis, Forever and a Day and With a Mind to Kill; the acclaimed bestselling mystery novels Magpie Murders, Moonflower Murders and Marble Hall Murders; and the Detective Hawthorne novels, The Word is Murder, The Sentence is Death,…

This week on the Penguin Podcast we talk to writer, critic and curator Charlie Porter about his novel Nova Scotia House, discuss queer books and the importance of hearing queer voices in art. Plus we provide plenty of book recommendations for LGBTQ+ stories. Explore the full list of books discussed on this episode and read the transcript by visiting: Season 2, Episode 5: Queer Literature Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Charlie's Nova Scotia House playlist k0ELQR3nAZkyaGf26GZP Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Yrsa Daley-Ward about her first novel The Catch. Explore the full list of books discussed on this episode and read the transcript by visiting: Season 2, Episode 4: Book Club Books Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Yrsa's Substack: the utter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is it like to write and publish your first ever novel? We find out by asking the authors William Rayfet Hunter (Sunstruck), Catherine Airey (Confessions), and Fiza Saeed McLynn (The Midnight Carousel). 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. Explore the full list of the books discussed on this episode and read the transcript by visiting: Season 2, Episode 3: Debut Books Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling author, and Queen of the Romantic comedy novel, Emily Henry joins us on this week's episode to discuss her brand new book, Great Big Beautiful Life, 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. Explore the full list of the books discussed on this episode and read the transcript by visiting: Season 2, Episode 2: Love and Romance And you can download the audiobook here: Great Big Beautiful Life Audiobook Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast we jump into the exciting world of children's books and chat to Greg James and Chris Smith about their new book The Kid Who Fell Through Time. 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. Explore the full list of the books discussed on this episode and read the transcript by visiting: Season 2, Episode 1: Children's Books Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk Follow our dedicated Broadcast channel on Instagram for exclusive content and giveaways: @PenguinUKBooks Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Penguin Podcast is back for another series of Ask Penguin. 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. 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. If you’re looking for a book recommendation, follow us on Instagram @penguinukbooks or send us your questions for a chance to be featured by emailing: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Don't forget to follow the show, so you never miss an episode! Find out more: https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our final bonus episode from The Penguin Podcast, bestselling author Jodi Picoult shares her theory on the true author behind Shakespeare's plays that inspired her new novel, By Any Other Name. Explore the full list of the books discussed in this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting Bonus Episode 5 Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Explore the full list of the books discussed in this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting: Bonus Episode 4 Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Explore the full list of the books discussed on this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting: Bonus Episode 3 Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Explore the full list of the books discussed in this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting: Bonus Episode 2 Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a special bonus episode taken from Episode 3: The Classics with Henry Eliot and Gill Hornby we share author and editor Henry Eliot's tips on tackling some of Classics' biggest tomes. Explore the full list of the books discussed on this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting: Bonus Episode 1 Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We round-up a year of reading with recommendations from Penguin colleagues of their favourite books of the year and a look at what they are most excited for you to read in 2025. Explore the full list of the books discussed on this episode and the transcript by visiting: Episode 12: Best books of the year. Thank you for listening to The Penguin Podcast and our new show Ask Penguin. We would love to hear your feedback and if you have any questions for us. To get in contact with the team, send us a message via the email address below. We return in the Spring with a new series. Until then, Happy Reading! Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining us this week is award-winning author Jeanette Winterson, as we explore her captivating new collection of ghost stories, Night Side of the River, and provide listeners with reading recommendations based on their winter-themed questions. Plus, we’ll stroll through the office to gather the perfect list of festive reads from our Penguin colleagues for you to enjoy this Christmas. Explore the full list of the books discussed on this episode and the transcript by visiting: Episode 11: Winter Reads Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining us in the studio to provide reading inspiration from the Roman Empire to the Second World War are author and podcast duo of We Have Ways of Making You Talk, James Holland and Al Murray, plus creator of Horrible Histories, Terry Deary For the full list of books plus transcript visit: Episode 6: History Special Books and authors mentioned in this episode: Arnhem Black Tuesday by Al Murray Casino ’44 by James Holland A History of Britain in Ten Enemies by Terry Deary The Cauldron by Zeno Scoop by Evelyn Waugh Mary Queen of Scots by Alison Weir The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley Swords of Honour by Evelyn Waugh Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we unpick the publishing process, answering all of your questions from how to find an agent to what it's like working with your editor and publicity team. Joining Rhianna in the studio is the Sunday Times bestselling author of The List of Suspicious Things, Jennie Godfrey, alongside Commissioning Editor Kaiya Shang and Director of Publicity and Media Relations, Charlotte Bush. Plus, we share details of the programmes offered by Penguin Books to help aspiring writers. Books and authors mentioned in this episode The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey Sonny Boy by Al Pacino Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner For more information on how to get published visit: Getting Published For the complete list of books mentioned in this episode and the transcript visit: Episode 9 - How to get published Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Christmas season approaches, we’ve assembled an expert panel to help you navigate your gifting dilemmas and find the ideal presents for everyone on your list. Plus, how do you politely decline a festive party? And is bending the spine of a book the approved way to read it? We find out with etiquette expert, and Help I've S*xted my Boss podcaster, William Hanson as we discuss his new book Just Good Manners. For the complete list of books mentioned in this episode and the transcript visit: Episode 8: Christmas gifting Enjoy 20% off your order at Penguin Shop using the discount code PENGUINPODCAST. T&Cs apply Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if one of literature’s greatest mysteries has been hiding in plain sight? Why do we know Shakespeare’s name but not Amelia Bassano’s? Can historical fiction give forgotten women their voices back? And what happens when you challenge 400 years of literary history? This week on Ask Penguin, Rhianna is joined by bestselling author Jodi Picoult to talk about By Any Other Name, her novel inspired by the theory that Elizabethan poet Amelia Bassano may have had a hand in writing some of Shakespeare’s plays. Together they explore the tantalising clues Jodi uncovered in Amelia’s life, the freedom historical fiction offers when history isn’t satisfying enough, and what happens when we question the stories we’ve inherited. For the full list of books and the transcript visit: Episode 7: Historical Fiction Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did one glimpse of the Vatican inspire an international bestseller? How faithful should a film stay to the novel that inspired it? And how long does it really take to get a novel onto the big screen? This week on Ask Penguin, Rhianna is joined by bestselling novelist Robert Harris to talk books, films and the journey between the two as his Vatican thriller Conclave arrives on the big screen. Together they explore the luck, patience and collaboration involved in turning a novel into a film, why Robert believes filmmakers need the freedom to create something new, and what it feels like to see an actor bring your words to life years after you wrote them. Plus, we answer your questions and find your next great read. For the full list of books and the transcript visit: Episode 6: Books to Screen Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can a country house whodunnit still surprise us? What can Agatha Christie teach a us about crime? Does every great detective need a partner? And what is it exactly that makes a murder mystery “cosy”? This week on Ask Penguin, Rhianna is joined by bestselling, award-winning novelist Kate Atkinson to talk about Death at the Sign of the Rook, her playful reinvention of the classic Golden Age murder mystery. Together they explore the stop-start rhythms of the writing process, why some stories need to wait for their moment, and the frustration involved in putting an intricate novel together. Plus, Kate is joined by her Penguin publicist and Alison Barrow to answer your questions with a reading list packed with crimes, mysteries and psychological thrills. For the full list of books and transcript visit: Episode 5: Crime and Mysteries Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do we love books that frighten us? What makes a hotel the perfect setting for a ghost story? Why can the safest places sometimes feel the most terrifying? And which books should you pick up if you're looking for a fright? This week on Ask Penguin, Rhianna is joined by Booker Prize-shortlisted author Daisy Johnson to talk about The Hotel, her haunting collection of interconnected stories set inside a mysterious hotel in the Norfolk Fens. Together they explore the strange pleasure of being scared, why haunted buildings have such a hold on our imaginations, and how Daisy turns suspense into a literary magic trick. Plus, Penguin’s resident horror fanatic Sarah McKenna helps us build the ultimate Halloween reading list For the full list of books plus transcript visit: Episode 4: Scary reads Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can a hundred-year-old novel still feel completely modern? Does The Count of Monte Cristo explain our obsession with superheroes? Who actually decides when a book becomes a classic? And why did Jane Austen’s own family have no idea she’d written Pride and Prejudice? This week on Ask Penguin, Rhianna is joined by author, editor and podcaster Henry Eliot to rethink everything we mean when we call a book a classic. Together they explore forgotten masterpieces, the problem with the traditional literary canon and the books that retain an “irrepressible freshness” across generations. Plus, bestselling novelist Gill Hornby reveals how Cassandra Austen became the keeper of her sister’s legacy, and why Miss Austen is ultimately a story about the many different forms a happy ending can take. For the full list of recommended reads visit: Episode 3: Classics Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Follow Henry's substack by clicking here Hosted on Acast. See…

Where did the human story really begin? Why do some histories get remembered while others disappear? What can a centuries-old story passed down by word of mouth teach us today? And which novels are so good you’d be tempted to read them twice in one day? This week on Ask Penguin, Rhianna is joined by award-winning broadcaster and author Zeinab Badawi to discuss her ambitious book, An African History of Africa: From the Dawn of Civilization to Independence. Together they explore the people, kingdoms and stories that have shaped the continent, why Zeinab wanted Africans to take centre stage in the telling of their own history, and how looking further into the past can challenge our assumptions about Africa today. Plus, author Derek Owusu shares the Black writers and books he thinks everyone should be reading. Explore all the books mentioned in the episode here: Episode 2: Black History Month Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to read 150 books in six months? Why do we love characters who make terrible decisions? What does an editor actually do to make a great writer even better? And which Booker winner prompted one of the biggest cheers in the prize’s history? In the first episode of our new series Ask Penguin, join our new host, Rhianna Dhillon as we delve into the world of literary prizes with this year's Booker Prize judge and award-winning author, Sara Collins. We also answer your Ask Penguin questions with plenty of book recommendations to inspire your next read. Visit our website for more information about The Penguin Podcast: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast For more information about this episode including a full list of books discussed visit: Episode 1: Prize-winners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Penguin Podcast is returning with a brand-new series called Ask Penguin. 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. Need help finding your next page-turning read? Are you curious to know what a day in the life of an editor is like? Or perhaps why a small, aquatic, flightless bird became the iconic emblem that adorns Penguin books worldwide? The new series launches on Thursday 3rd October, where we'll be discussing prize-winning novels with award-winning author, and this year's Booker Prize judge, Sara Collins, and provide you with plenty of book recommendations with Publishing Director Simon Prosser. Send us your questions for a chance to be featured by emailing: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Don't forget to follow the show, so you never miss an episode! Find out more: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more…

This week on the Penguin Podcast we're recapping the year with a selection of the brilliant guests we've welcomed onto the show. We hear from Jane Fallon, Chris van Tulleken, Julian Barnes, David Mitchell and more. We thank you for tuning in, and we'll see you in 2024. Happy holidays. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by national treasure and bestselling author, Sebastian Faulks. Together they they discuss the tweet that helped inspire his latest book, The Seventh Son, his thoughts on imposter Syndrome and humility, the influence of George Orwell on his political outlook, and a magical riverbank he discovered in France. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by Booker Longlisted author, C Pam Zhang. Together they discuss Zhang's latest novel, The Land of Milk and Honey, as well as the effects of extreme wealth on the human psyche, the place of pleasure and joy in human existence, the many expectations still placed upon women, and the literary benefits of being a marginalised writer. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by one of our time's most important moral philosophers and animal rights activists, Peter Singer. In this episode, they discuss Singer's experience of animal rights in the 70s compared to now, what inspired him to begin campaigning for the rights of animals, the importance of suffering in determining rights, and his views on the rise of veganism. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.