In an edition first broadcast in 2014, Leigh Chambers and Alex Ruczaj interview Caron Freeborn, whose death was announced recently. A gritty social realist writer and creative writing tutor at ARU, Caron tells us about growing up in the East End with Ronnie Kray as a family friend and the lasting influence her childhood has had on her writing. … [Read more...]

Dr Helen McCarthy chooses the music, and talks about her new critically acclaimed book Double Lives: A History of Working Motherhood. Sarah Vaughan chats about her latest novel, Little Disasters. And Kate Rhodes explains why the Scilly Isles are perfect for murder in her Hell Bay series of crime novels. … [Read more...]

Xu Zhimo’s poem Second Farewell to Cambridge is taught to every schoolchild in China, making it arguably the most famous poem in the world, though it’s little known outside the poet’s homeland. In this Bookmark special Leigh Chambers examines the role it’s played in forging cultural and business links between Cambridge and China, take a look at the … [Read more...]

Leigh Chambers' studio guest is Emma Mitchell talking about her book, The Wild Remedy, a diary of her battle with depression and the healing powers of nature. Andre Mangeot discusses his new poetry collection, Blood Rain. And Awais Khan talks about bringing Lahore to life in his debut novel, In The Company Of Strangers. … [Read more...]

Leigh Chambers' studio guest is crime writer, Clare Chase, talking about her new novel Mystery In Hidden Lane. We also celebrate the launch of an anthology of creative writing by students at Cambridge University’s Institute of Continuing Education. And Menna Van Praag chats about her latest magical realism novel, The Sisters Grimm. … [Read more...]

Guinevere Glasfurd joins Leigh Chambers to talk about her novel The Year Without Summer, set in the 19th century, and based on the real story of a massive volcano explosion which caused devastation around the world. Sir Christopher Andrew, former historian of MI5, discusses his latest book The Secret World, a history of intelligence and espionage. … [Read more...]

There’s a fantasy theme to this episode of Bookmark. Leigh Chambers' guest is cartoon, anime and manga artist, Sonia Leong, who talks about putting her stamp on each genre. Mike Harvey discusses Oron Amular, the first book in his fantasy trilogy. And explorer Matt Dickinson explains why he’s taking a break from climbing Everest to write a series of … [Read more...]