Open Book - Barney Norris on Five Rivers Met on a Wooded Plain
Deborah Levy and Daniel Hahn on the enduring appeal of Cervantes and playwright Barney Norris talks to Mariella Frostrup about his first novel Five Rivers Met On A Wooded Plain.
On the 400th anniversary of his death, Mariella Frostrup discusses the work and legacy of Miguel de Cervantes with authors Daniel Hahn and Deborah Levy. Cervantes is often credited with inventing the modern novel and the playful wit and digressive plotting of Don Quixote have influenced generations of writers.
Playwright Barney Norris talks to Mariella about his first novel Five Rivers Met On A Wooded Plain . Set in Salisbury, it's about five characters whose lives are united - and transformed - by a car accident. He talks about the importance of the cathedral city to his life and work.
Also on the programme, Mariella investigates new ways of getting a book published with self publishing star Rachel Abbott and Angus Phillips from the Oxford Centre for Publishing, and novelist Francesca Haig rails against the critical term 'literary'.
Books
Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.
How many of these 100 Novels have you read?
After a passionate debate, our panel has come up with this surprising literary selection.
Opening Lines
John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.
Finding Your Story
Ten remarkable novels about identity: Which one will help you discover yourself?
Podcast
-
![]()
Books and Authors
Open Book with Elizabeth Day and Johny Pitts and A Good Read with Harriett Gilbert
