Simon Mayo's Books of the Year

• Jonathan Freedland Q&A

  Bestselling author and journalist, Jonathan Freedland, discusses some of his favourite authors, The Beatles, his writing process - and - gives us some brilliant book recommendations too. We also hear from Jeremy Vine - who is a big fan of Jonathan's books - and find out who would be invited to his fantasy dinner party.

  --------  

  16:49

  --------

  16:49
• Jonathan Freedland

  Journalist and bestselling author, Jonathan Freedland, joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his latest book - 'The Traitor's Circle' They chat about his extensive research, love of history, the incredible real-life stories of bravery he discovered and put in the book and how and when he likes to write. Although this book is non-fiction, it reads like a thriller! Some of the stories in it are quite remarkable! Here's a bit more info on the book:A thrilling true story of courage, resistance and ultimately betrayal in the Third Reich, captured by internationally bestselling author and prize-winning journalist Jonathan Freedland.The Traitors Circle tells the true, but scarcely known, story of a group of secret rebels against Hitler. Drawn from Berlin high society, they include army officers, government officials, two countesses, an ambassador's widow and a former model - meeting in the shadows, whether hiding and rescuing Jews or plotting for a Germany freed from Nazi rule. One day in September 1943 they gather for a tea party - unaware that one among them is about to betray them all to the Gestapo. But who is the betrayer of a circle themselves branded 'traitors' by the cruellest regime in history?In another page-turning work of nonfiction that reads like a thriller, Jonathan Freedland, acclaimed author of The Escape Artist, sheds light on one of the most dramatic episodes of the second world war, telling a story of courage, resistance and ultimate betrayal that has deep moral resonance for our own time, and asks what kind of person it takes to risk everything and stand up to tyranny.

  --------  

  39:12

  --------

  39:12
• Ken Follett Q&A

  International bestselling author, Ken Follett, joins Simon and Matt for a bit of a Q&A. He talks about his writing process, books he has loved reading, film adaptations and who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party. We also surprise him with a question from Greg and Kate Mosse.

  --------  

  23:10

  --------

  23:10
• Ken Follett

  Multi-million bestselling author, Ken Follett, joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his latest novel 'Circle Of Days'. They discuss skeletons, Stone Henge, Priestesses, the movement of the sun and stars, the origins of counting and measurements of time. Ken is meticulous with his research and shares how he approached this book, as well as how he chose the language in the novel and the technological advancements.

  --------  

  39:22

  --------

  39:22
• Callie Hart Q&A

  Simon and Matt learn more about the fantasy and romantasy genres, from bestselling author Callie Hart. She also shares some of her favourite books and authors, and introduces us to binaural beats! We also surprise her with a question from Saara El-Arifi - and discover who she'd invite to her fantasy dinner party!

  --------  

  15:02

  --------

  15:02

More Arts podcasts

Trending Arts podcasts

About Simon Mayo's Books of the Year

Simon Mayo's Books of the Year: Podcasts in Family