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Jonathan Coe, Sequels to Austen, and Prue Leith

Mariella Frostrup talks to award-winning novelist Jonathan Coe. In his new book, The Rain Before It Falls, a dying woman records her final thoughts.

Jonathan Coe
Mariella is joined by the best selling author of The Rotters Club, and What A Carve Up!, Jonathan Coe, to speak about whether his latest book, The Rain Before It Falls is a departure from his normal style, and how he wrote a book narrated by a woman.

Old Friends and New Fancies
Jane Austen only wrote six novels, but they have inspired authors to write countless sequels in recent years. The first of these sequels, Old Friends and New Fancies by Sybil G Brinton, has just been republished. Professor John Sutherland and Mariella discuss whether anything more than the characters have survived the transition, and why Austen provides such tempting material for writers.

Booktrust
This month every eleven year old in England will be given a free book to welcome them back to school. The charity providing the copies is Booktrust, who also administer the Orange and Nestle prizes. Viv Bird, the newly appointed director, explains to Mariella what the aims of and challenges facing the charity are in the coming months.

Prue Leith鈥檚 Five Favourite Books
Join Mariella as she talks to Prue Leith about her five favourite books.

Available now

30 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Sun 9 Sep 2007 16:00
  • Thu 13 Sep 2007 16:00

This Week's Book List

Read along with us - a list of books discussed in each programme

Books and Authors Podcast

Books and Authors Podcast

Open Book for author interviews and A Good Read for recommended reads

Listen now to books on 大象传媒 Sounds

Listen now to books on 大象传媒 Sounds

Escape with books & stories