logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2022
41m 34s

Robert Harris with Nihal Arthanayake

PENGUIN BOOKS UK
About this episode

 This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake talks to former journalist and best-selling novelist, Robert Harris.

 

Robert joins us to discuss his latest work of epic historical fiction, Act of Oblivion, out now in hardback.

 

He also discusses his observations on the static nature of history and humanity, how journalism informs his ability to write fiction, the potential of a simple idea to inform an entire novel, the irrationality of politics, and the UK’s shifting perspectives on the monarchy.



Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Nov 20
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.pengui ... Show More
51m 30s
Nov 6
Why are generations at war with each other? With Zadie Smith
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 Autum ... Show More
56m 1s
Oct 30
Is never growing up the secret to great storytelling? With Philip Pullman
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?I ... Show More
42m 11s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2023
The Guest Rites by Robert Silverberg - Robert Silverberg Audiobook
<p><em>Carthule was not the Earthman's god, but Carthule protected him while he was a guest in the temple—even if he tore the temple down!</em> <em>The Guest Rites by Robert Silverberg, </em>that’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, with at least one lost vintage sci-fi short story ... Show More
26m 47s
Sep 2021
Roll On: Melding Passion With Purpose (+ Arctic Swimmer Lewis Pugh!)
How do you meld passion with purpose? What makes you committed to your cause? And most importantly, what does your podcast do? In addition to philosophizing these questions and more, in today’s edition of ‘Roll On,’ Adam Skolnick and I trade fitness updates, engage in typical rib ... Show More
2h 38m
Sep 2022
Jonathan Meades: Closing Time for the Firm
Writer and filmmaker Jonathan Meades introduces and reads his review of Tina Brown's book about the royal family, The Palace Papers, from April this year. Read the piece here: https://lrb.me/meadespod Sign up to our Close Readings podcast subscription: https://lrb.me/closereading ... Show More
35m 58s
Jan 2024
Blazing Ambition: the Life of Margaret Cavendish
Born near Colchester, England in 1623, Margaret Cavendish was a writer blazing a trail for women during a time when the world was dominated by men. Her writing ranges from philosophy to poetry, plays and also includes what is now considered to be a proto-science fiction novel, Th ... Show More
54m 34s
Nov 2021
The Godwits Fly by Robin Hyde
Our guest is author Paula Morris, who joins us from Auckland to discuss the novel The Godwits Fly (1938) and the life of its author Iris Wilkinson AKA Robin Hyde. In recent years, Iris Wilkinson's writing has been rediscovered and restored to the canon of New Zealand literature, ... Show More
1h 15m
Apr 2024
La Parure - Guy de Maupassant
À la fin du XIXe siècle, à Paris, la jeune et belle Mathilde Loisel reçoit une invitation à un bal. Sa vie va alors prendre un virage inattendu ! "La Parure" figure parmi les œuvres incontournables de Guy de Maupassant. Il s'agit d'une nouvelle assez courte, publiée en 1884, et q ... Show More
10m 25s
Jun 2024
ADDICTION AS CONTROL | Irvine Welsh and Yanis Varoufakis
This podcast is released alongside the acclaimed new docuseries 'In The Eye Of The Storm — The Political Odyssey Of Yanis Varoufakis'. Watch it here: http://www.eyeofthestorm.infoIrvine Welsh is a Scottish novelist and short story writer. His 1993 novel Trainspotting was adapted ... Show More
1h 4m
Oct 2022
Episode 5: The Silencing
Carl Andre is acquitted. Decades later, the art world remains divided about his innocence. In order to protect Carl, the art world maintained a strict separation between the art and the artist and used silence to preserve the status quo. But a few remain vocal. To hear the rest o ... Show More
40m 23s
May 2024
Democracy, Diplomacy, Discourse with S. Jaishankar
<p>In this episode of The Morning Brief podcast, external affairs minister <a href="https://twitter.com/drsjaishankar?lang=en">S. Jaishankar</a> talks about his role in the elections, Biden’s “xenophobic” remark, terror elements in Canada, problems in Pakistan and Myanmar, his cr ... Show More
34m 57s
Oct 2022
Episode 4: The Genius Problem
Carl stands trial for the murder of Ana Mendieta. His defense ruthlessly attacks Ana, using her artwork against her, and rests heavily on his prestige in the art world. Helen reveals her personal connection to Carl Andre and his work, and how it changed her career. To hear the re ... Show More
43m 21s