The Radio 2 Book Club

• 'Artificial Wisdom' by Thomas R. Weaver

  Debut novelist Thomas R. Weaver joins Sara for a chat about his new techno-thriller 'Artificial Wisdom'. They discuss Thomas' thoughts on AI, his entrepreneurial background and how he came to be a novelist. We also play out a little taster of the audiobook - and get some brilliant book recommendations too. Here's a little more about the book:Who would you trust with the future?The year is 2050. In the teeth of a climate catastrophe, the world is left with a drastic solution: one global leader to steer it through the coming apocalypse.The final two candidates are ex-US President Lockwood, and Solomon, the world’s first political artificial intelligence.As whispers of a global conspiracy emerge, investigative journalist Marcus Tully find himself at the centre of it – when Solomon’s creator turns up murdered.Overnight, one investigation becomes two, and it’s not just the result of the election that’s at stake but the future of the species. Suddenly humanity must make an impossible choice – between salvation, or freedom.

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• Maggie O'Farrell on Writing

  Sara welcomes international bestselling author, Maggie O'Farrell, to the Book Club. They discuss a brand new writing prize, set up in Hilary Mantel's name, which is open to all unpublished budding writers. Maggie gives some great writing advice, talks us through her own writing routine - and - reveals her Top Five Reads Of The Year (so far)! 1. 'Glorious Exploits' by Ferdia Lennon 2. 'Clear' by Carys Davies 3. 'We The Animals' by Justin Torres 4. 'The Two Roberts' by Damian Barr 5. 'Charles Dickens: A Life' by Claire Tomalin2026 is an exciting year for Maggie - not only is the film adaptation of her novel 'Hamnet' coming out, but she's also publishing a new novel - and Sara gets the lowdown on both of these new projects too!

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• A 500 Words Special: with Charlie Higson

  500 Words - the UK's largest children's writing competition (for 5 - 11 year olds) - is back! On this week's episode, Sara is joined by bestselling children's author, actor and screenwriter - Charlie Higson - who is one of the judges for the prize. They chat about the prize, how to enter - and give some writing inspiration and tips. They also chat about Charlie's new book - 'Willie Willie Harry Stee' - based on his history podcast, with illustrations by Jim Moir. If you want to find out more about the 500 Words Competition, how to enter, and the all important Terms and Conditions, go to bbc.co.uk/500words

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• 'A Splintering' by Dur e Aziz Amna

  Author Dur e Aziz Amna joins Sara for the Radio 2 Book Club to chat about her new novel, 'A Splintering'. Dur e got the idea for the novel from a walk with her husband, after which the character of Tara came fully formed. She talks to Sara about her inspirations for this story, how important hope is in a book, no matter how serious the themes and also recommends us what she has been reading and enjoying recently. Here's a little more about 'A Splintering':In a village in rural Pakistan, Tara is waiting and watching. The smell of dung and dust hangs over her world. She is desperate to leave the petty life of the village and escape the iron grip of her violent, unpredictable brother. Marrying a middle-class accountant allows her to escape to the capital, but she soon finds that life as a respectable housewife is not sufficient either. She wants what the rich mothers at her children’s school have. She wants what their husbands have. Her desire for wealth and freedom becomes an obsession. But can she truly shake her past? And what of the menacing spectre of her brother, a reminder of the threads that tie her to the life she left behind?Set against a hypnotic, oppressive backdrop of political violence and natural disaster, A Splintering traces the class struggle of a woman stuck between province and metropolis, between motherhood and ambition. Disquieting and utterly gripping, it is an extraordinary achievement by Dur e Aziz Amna, an exploration of a complex and unforgettable character who will risk everything to carve out a life of her own.

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• Dawn O'Porter (recorded at Radio 2 In The Park)

  Broadcaster and bestselling author, Dawn O'Porter, joins Sara for a special edition of The Radio 2 Book Club. Recorded live in Hylands Park, Chelmsford (at Radio 2 In The Park), Dawn and Sara chat about her books and writing, in front of an intimate audience of bookworms. Dawn also gives us her Top Five Reads Of The Year so far, and answers some questions about her writing process from our audience.Remember you can get in touch with us anytime to tell us about what you're reading, about your own book group - or - to be one of our listener reviewers! The email address is: [email protected]

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