
About this episode
Nicola Barker discusses her novel Darkmans with James Naughtie on Bookclub.
Described as a book of startling originality, the writer Nicola Barker speaks to Bookclub, presented by James Naughtie, about her 838-page epic novel, Darkmans, which was published in 2007 and shortlisted for the Booker Prize that same year. Set in the town of Ashford, Kent, the novel centres around a father and son relationship - Daniel and Kane Beede - and a jester from the court of Edward IV makes his presence known in mysterious ways. Producer: Dominic Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan This was a BBC Audio Scotland production. Author image credit: Colin Alderman
People in this episode
Host: James Naughtie
Guest: Nicola Barker
Topics covered
- novel
- interview
- literature
- Booker Prize
- father-son relationship
- originality
Keywords
- Nicola Barker
- Darkmans
- Bookclub
- James Naughtie
- Booker Prize
- father-son relationship
- originality
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: BBC Audio Scotland
Books & works: Darkmans
Places: Ashford, Kent
More episodes of Bookclub
- Kirstin Innes · June 7, 2026 · 28 min
- Dorothy Koomson · April 5, 2026 · 28 min
- Alan Cumming on Alasdair Gray's Lanark · March 1, 2026 · 29 min
- Sarah Bernstein · February 1, 2026 · 35 min
- Rónán Hession · January 4, 2026 · 29 min
- Emma Thompson: Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility · December 16, 2025 · 37 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Bookclub podcast page.