Main content

Douglas Coupland

James Naughtie and readers talk to Canadian author Douglas Coupland about his 1991 cult novel Generation X, which became a worldwide bestseller and defined a generation.

James Naughtie and readers talk to Canadian author Douglas Coupland about his cult novel Generation X.

First published in 1991, it became a worldwide bestseller and defined a generation. Set during a time of yuppies and youth unemployment, the characters in Generation X are all in their late 20s, highly educated but with no ambition - they work in bars, and tell each other stories. This is the novel that made 'McJob' a popular term; and looking back at the novel Douglas speaks movingly of his own struggle as he set out to be a writer.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Thu 11 Mar 2010 16:00

Broadcasts

  • Sun 7 Mar 2010 16:00
  • Thu 11 Mar 2010 16:00

How many of these 100 Novels have you read?

How many of these 100 Novels have you read?

After a passionate debate, our panel has come up with this surprising literary selection.

Bookclub at 20

Bookclub at 20

Sebastian Faulks, Naomi Alderman and more select favourite editions of the programme

Sample our books and authors Clip Collection

Interviews, previews and reviews

Short stories to keep

The fiction podcast featuring the best stories from the UK's finest writers

Books

Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.

Podcast