In this series, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has conversations with public figures whose work engages with big questions about humankind, and who have an interesting relationship with religion and spirituality. What do they believe and how does that shape their values and actions?

This week's guest is the British-Turkish novelist and political scientist, Elif Shafak. Her work has been translated into 55 languages. Her books draw on diverse cultures and reflect her interest in history, philosophy and mysticism. Her stories often deal with extremely uncomfortable subjects – gender-based violence, child abuse, genocide – and they give voice to those on the margins of society – religious, ethnic and sexual minorities. It has come at a personal cost: she has been investigated and prosecuted by the Turkish authorities for 'crimes of obscenity' and ‘insulting Turkishness’. She is on the latest BBC list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world.

Producer: Dan Tierney for BBC Audio North. Show less