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Take Four Books

by BBC Radio 4

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Latest episodes

  • Andrew Meehan

    October 25, 2026 · 29 min

    The acclaimed Irish writer Andrew Meehan talks about his novel Hey Man and explores its link to three other works with presenter James Crawford. Hey Man tells the story of a unique, challenging and beautiful friendship between Ian and…

  • John Grisham

    October 18, 2026 · 28 min

    The best-selling American author John Grisham speaks to Take Four Books about his latest novel, The French Illusion, and, together with presenter James Crawford, they explore its connections to three other works. The French Illusion begins…

  • Marlon James

    October 11, 2026 · 29 min

    The award-winning Jamaican novelist Marlon James on his Booker-shortlisted novel The Disappearers, as he and presenter James Crawford explore its connections to three other books. The Disappearers starts with eight men in Jamaica in 1988…

  • Louise Kennedy

    September 27, 2026 · 32 min

    The award-winning writer Louise Kennedy speaks to Radio 4's Take Four Books about her latest novel, Stations, and, together with presenter James Crawford, they explore its connections to three other literary works. Stations follows Róisín…

  • Donal Ryan

    September 20, 2026 · 29 min

    The award-winning Irish writer, Donal Ryan, speaks about his latest novel, Where Are The Kings, and, together with presenter James Crawford, they explore its connections to three other books. Set in rural Ireland, Where Are The Kings…

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  • Sebastian Barry

    September 13, 2026 · 30 min

    The award-winning Irish writer Sebastian Barry speaks to Take Four Books about his latest novel, The Newer World, and, together with presenter James Crawford, they explore its connections to three other books. The Newer World takes us…

  • Colson Whitehead

    August 30, 2026 · 28 min

    The New York writer and two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, Colson Whitehead, speaks to Take Four Books about his latest novel, Cool Machine, and, together with presenter James Crawford, they explore its connections to three…

  • Valeria Luiselli

    August 23, 2026 · 29 min

    Presenter James Crawford speaks to award-winning Mexican American novelist and essayist Valeria Luiselli about her latest novel, Beginning Middle End, and its three key literary influences. In the novel, a mother and her twelve-year-old…

  • M. John Harrison

    August 16, 2026 · 28 min

    The writer M. John Harrison speaks to Take Four Books about his latest novel, The End of Everything, and, together with presenter James Crawford, they explore its connections to three other works. The End of Everything follows the…

  • David Sedaris

    August 9, 2026 · 29 min

    Presenter James Crawford speaks to American author and humourist David Sedaris on his new collection of essays, The Land and Its People. From navigating the realities of ageing to reflecting on his personal relationships, Sedaris explores…

  • Christopher Brookmyre

    July 26, 2026 · 31 min

    Scottish crime writer Christopher Brookmyre speaks to Take Four Books this week about his latest novel, Quite Ugly One Evening, and, together with presenter James Crawford, they explore its links to three other books. Chris's new book…

  • Liz Nugent

    July 19, 2026 · 28 min

    The award-winning Irish writer, Liz Nugent, speaks to Take Four Books about her latest novel, The Truth About Ruby Cooper, and, together with presenter James Crawford, they explore its connections to three other works of fiction. Ruby…

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About the show

Presenter James Crawford looks at an author's latest work and delves further into their creative process by learning about the three other texts that have shaped their writing.