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: [email protected]?? Instagram: ??@bookclubpodhq?? TikTok: ??@thebookclubpodhq?? X: ??@bookclubpodhq?? YouTube: ??@TheBookClubPodHQ?? Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Social Producer: Harry Balden Assistant Producer: Alfie Norris Video Editor: Lorcan Moullier Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 explore our favourite Folio books at http://foliosociety.com/thebookclub Email us: [email protected]?? Instagram: ??@bookclubpodhq?? TikTok: ??@thebookclubpodhq?? X: ??@bookclubpodhq?? YouTube: ??@TheBookClubPodHQ?? Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Social Producer: Emma Jackson Video Editor: Joe Pettit Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 writing of Hamnet, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. You can order Hamnet and explore our favourite Folio books at https://foliosociety.com/thebookclub Email us: [email protected]?? Instagram: ??@bookclubpodhq?? TikTok: ??@thebookclubpodhq?? X: ??@bookclubpodhq?? YouTube: ??@TheBookClubPodHQ?? Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Social Producer: Harry Balden Video Editor: Lorcan Moullier Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 behind the writing of the Great Gatsby, the world it was born of, and the novel itself. You can order The Great Gatsby and explore our favourite Folio books at http://foliosociety.com/thebookclub Email us: [email protected]? Instagram: ?@bookclubpodhq? TikTok: ?@thebookclubpodhq? X: ?@bookclubpodhq? YouTube: ?@TheBookClubPodHQ? Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Social Producer: Harry Balden Video Editor: Oliver Oakley Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 the wonderful story itself. Email us: [email protected]? Instagram: ?@bookclubpodhq? TikTok: ?@thebookclubpodhq? X: ?@bookclubpodhq? YouTube: ?@TheBookClubPodHQ? Exec Producer: Dom Johnson Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Social Producer: Harry Balden Video Editor: Joe Pettit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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: [email protected] Instagram: @bookclubpodhq TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq YouTube: @TheBookClubPodHQ Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Social Producer: Harry Balden Video Editor: James Clayden Head of History: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 and entertains, unpacking the world of books and the authors that built them. Join us every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts. Find out more at https://linktr.ee/thebookclub Instagram: @bookclubpodhq X: @bookclubpodhq Facebook: The Book Club TikTok: @thebookclubpodhq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices