James Naughtie and a group of readers talk to Cal Flyn about her acclaimed book, Islands of Abandonment, an exploration of places which have been reclaimed by nature. She talks about her travels to Cyprus, the Orkney Islands, First World War battlefields in France, and beyond, chronicling the fightback that plants have staged once humans have left. She reveals why finding hope in even the most desolate places is important to her, and why it's ok to leave lawns unmown.

Our next recordings are both in-person events at BBC Broadcasting House in London.

16 February 2023 at 18.30 Nadifa Mohamed will be answering questions about The Fortune Men.

15 March 2023 at 1830 Tan Twan Eng on The Garden of Evening Mists

To come along and take part, email bookclub@bbc.co.uk Show less