Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett are launching a new weekly literary podcast, The Book Club.
It will explore influential novels from classic literature to modern fiction, with each episode focusing on a single title. The series examines themes, historical context and author backgrounds while considering how each book continues to resonate with readers today.
While creating accessible literary discussion for dedicated readers and curious newcomers, each episode ends with a ranking of the featured book, encouraging listeners to revisit or discover key works of fiction.
Dominic Sandbrook said: “I’m so thrilled to be unveiling this new show. I’ve loved books for as long as I can remember, and Tabitha and I have spent many happy hours debating our favourites while working on The Rest Is History.
“I’m really looking forward to taking listeners into these fictional worlds and exploring the real stories behind them. It’s been enormous fun talking books with a colleague as enthusiastic, sparky and funny as Tabitha.”
Tabitha Syrett added: “I’ve always loved reading, and I hope the show captures the enthusiasm for literature I’ve carried from childhood into adulthood.
“From the outset, I wanted The Book Club to move beyond traditional literary criticism, making books feel accessible, engaging and rooted in the historical worlds that shaped them and their authors.
“After three years producing The Rest Is History, it’s incredibly exciting to step in front of the mic.”
The opening episode explores Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, examining the author’s life and the novel’s controversial reception when it was first published in 1847.
It also considers the book’s themes of cruelty, morality and class while reflecting on its cultural relevance today.
The presenters also compare the novel with Emerald Fennell’s recent Hollywood adaptation released on Valentine’s Day.
Future episodes will cover major titles including Never Let Me Go, The Great Gatsby, Frankenstein, Hamnet, 1984, East of Eden, Normal People and Northern Lights.
The podcast began as exclusive content linked to The Rest Is History before developing into a standalone series.
Sandbrook is recognised as one of Britain’s most prominent historians and broadcasters, with bestselling books and multiple BBC documentary credits. Syrett has produced The Rest Is History since 2023, overseeing live shows and award-winning series including Apple Podcasts Global Show of the Year last year.
The Book Club joins Goalhanger’s expanding slate following the company reaching more than seven 750 million full episode streams last year. It will be available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms every Tuesday from 17 February.
