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…
Why did James Bond appeal to 1950s Britain? Is Goldfinger hopelessly out of date? And, who really inspired the titular villain? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of Goldfinger, and the world it was born of. Download the Klarna app to stay on top of your money, so you can think about, well, anything else. Klarna balance account required to receive cashback points. Limitations, terms, and conditions apply. Exclusions apply. Learn more at https://www.klarna.com/uk/buyer-protection-description/. For analysis, book…
34. American Psycho: Murder, Trump, and New York City
Why was the book so heavily censored on publication? Is the novel gratuitously violent? And, what happened when Tabby met Bret Easton Ellis? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of American Psycho, and the world it was born of. Download the Klarna app to stay on top of your money, so you can think about, well, anything else. Klarna balance account required to receive cashback points. Limitations, terms, and conditions apply. Exclusions apply. Learn more at https://www.klarna.com/uk/buyer-protection-description/. For analysis,…
21 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 22 min
33. Jane Eyre: The Best Brontë Novel?
Why is Jane Eyre a romantic classic? Who was Charlotte Brontë? And, what social critiques lie in the heart of the novel? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of Jane Eyre, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Download the Klarna app to stay on top of your money, so you can think about, well, anything else. Klarna balance account required to receive cashback points. Limitations, terms, and conditions apply. Exclusions apply. Learn more at https://www.klarna.com/uk/buyer-protection-description/. For analysis, book…
14 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
32. A Month In The Country: Is This The Greatest Novella Ever Written?
How did the First World War affect the British soldier survivors? Is this pastoral novella one of the UK's best books? How did J L Carr's Yorkshire upbringing impact the setting and tone of the story? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of A Month In The Country, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Download the Klarna app to stay on top of your money, so you can think about, well, anything else. Klarna balance account required to receive cashback points. Limitations, terms, and conditions apply. Exclusions apply.…
7 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 18 min
31. Lord Of The Flies: Survival Of The Fittest
How did William Golding’s experience in the Second World War inspire Lord Of The Flies? Why was the novel initially rejected by publishers? And, what does it say it about the fragile nature of society? Download the Klarna app to stay on top of your money, so you can think about, well, anything else. Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of Lord Of The Flies, and the world it was born of. Klarna balance account required to receive cashback points. Limitations, terms, and conditions apply. Exclusions apply. Learn more at…
31 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 32 min
30. Lolita: Nabokov’s Twisted Masterpiece?
Who was Vladimir Nabokov? Why is Lolita so controversial? And, what was the reaction to its publication? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the story behind Lolita, and the novel itself. 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/ Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq YouTube: @TheBookClubPodHQ Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Assistant Producer: Alfie…
24 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 10 min
29. Rebecca: Daphne du Maurier’s Gothic Epic
How did Daphne du Maurier use her own experience to write the chilling events of Rebecca? Who is the sinister Mrs Danvers? And, what really happened to Rebecca? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett as they delve into the fascinating story behind the writing of Rebecca, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Download the Klarna app to stay on top of your money, so you can think about, well, anything else. Klarna balance account required to receive cashback points. Limitations, terms, and conditions apply. Exclusions apply. Learn more at…
17 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 20 min
28. Hemingway’s Spanish Civil War: For Whom The Bell Tolls
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.com/uk/buyer-protection-description/. For analysis, book recommendations and more, sign up to our newsletter, Book Club Notes, introduced weekly by Tabby or Dominic. Sign up at:…
10 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 23 min
27. Brave New World: The Dystopia That Came True?
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/. 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:…
3 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 13 min
26. Mafia and Mystery: Is ‘My Brilliant Friend’ the Greatest Novel of the Century?
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://www.klarna.com/uk/buyer-protection-description/. For analysis, book recommendations and more, sign up to our newsletter, Book Club Notes, introduced weekly by Tabby or Dominic. Sign up at:…
27 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 13 min
25. The Thirty-Nine Steps: The First James Bond
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 recommendations and more, sign up to our newsletter, Book Club Notes, introduced weekly by Tabby or Dominic. Sign up at: https://www.thebookclubhq.com/ Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq X:…
23 Jul 2026 · 40 min
24. Jane Austen, Nazis and Murder: The Ultimate Summer Reading List
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/ Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq YouTube: @TheBookClubPodHQ Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Assistant Producer: Alfie Norris Social Producer: Harry Balden Video…
20 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 10 min
23. The Odyssey Retold: Circe, Monsters and Myth
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 Folio books at http://foliosociety.com/thebookclub Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com For analysis, book recommendations and more, sign up to our newsletter, Book Club Notes, introduced weekly by…
13 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 22 min
22. The Leopard: The Greatest Historical Novel Ever Written?
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, sign up to our newsletter, Book Club Notes, introduced weekly by Tabby or Dominic. Sign up at: https://www.thebookclubhq.com/ Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok:…
6 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 33 min
21. The Wind In The Willows: How A Bedtime Story Became An Icon
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 explore our favourite Folio books at http://foliosociety.com/thebookclub Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com For analysis, book recommendations and more, sign up to our newsletter, Book Club Notes,…
29 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 27 min
20. Game of Thrones: The Horrifying True Story Behind A Song of Ice and Fire
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 Thrones, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. You can order A Game of Thrones and explore our favourite Folio books at https://foliosociety.com/thebookclub Email us:…
22 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 17 min
19. Little Women: The Secret Sadness of a Classic
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@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/ Instagram:…
15 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
18. The Code Of The Woosters: The Funniest Book Ever Written?
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: 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/…
8 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 22 min
17. Oscar Wilde's Downfall: The Picture of Dorian Gray
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: thebookclub@goalhanger.com Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq YouTube: @TheBookClubPodHQ For analysis, book recommendations and more, sign up to our…
1 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 16 min
16. The Hunger Games: Rebellion and Violence In Dystopian America
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 Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq YouTube: @TheBookClubPodHQ Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Assistant Producer: Alfie Norris Social Producer: Harry…
25 May 2026 · 1 hr 24 min
15. Mrs Dalloway: Woolf, Sexuality, and Change
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: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq YouTube: @TheBookClubPodHQ Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Assistant Producer: Alfie Norris Social Producer: Harry Balden Video Editor: Joe…
18 May 2026 · 1 hr 20 min
14. Beloved: Memory, Morrison, and Modern American Fiction
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: thebookclub@goalhanger.com Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq YouTube: @TheBookClubPodHQ Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Assistant Producer: Alfie…
11 May 2026 · 1 hr 12 min
13. The Woman In White: Victorians, Sensation, and Scandal
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@goalhanger.com Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq YouTube: @TheBookClubPodHQ Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Assistant Producer: Alfie Norris Social…
4 May 2026 · 1 hr 15 min
12. A Court of Thorns and Roses: ''Fairy Smut'' or Fantasy Sensation?
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: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq YouTube: @TheBookClubPodHQ Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Assistant Producer: Alfie Norris Social Producer: Harry Balden Video Editor: Adam Thornton, James Clayden…
27 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 17 min
11. The Hound of the Baskervilles: Mystery, Folklore, and Sherlock Holmes
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 Hound Of The Baskervilles, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq…
20 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 9 min
10. East Of Eden: Steinbeck, Sin, and Redemption
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: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq YouTube: @TheBookClubPodHQ Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Assistant Producer: Alfie Norris Social Producer: Harry Balden Video…
13 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 10 min
9. Normal People: Class, Ireland, and Heartbreak
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: thebookclub@goalhanger.com Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq YouTube: @TheBookClubPodHQ Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen…
6 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 18 min
8. Northern Lights: Dogma, Destiny, and Dæmons
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 books at http://foliosociety.com/thebookclub Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq…
30 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 16 min
7. Frankenstein: Horror, Humanity, and Hubris
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/thebookclub Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq YouTube: @TheBookClubPodHQ Senior…
24 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 23 min
6. The Secret History: Dark Academia, Greek Myth, and Murder
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 Email us: thebookclub@goalhanger.com Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq YouTube: @TheBookClubPodHQ Senior Producer:…
About 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.
The Book Club is a English stories podcast from Goalhanger. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.
The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.
