Open Book

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Programme looking at new fiction and non-fiction books

Programme looking at new fiction and non-fiction books, talking to authors and publishers and unearthing lost classics

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Open Book: Rose Tremain; Science in Fiction

Rose Tremain; Science in Fiction

BBC Radio 4 - Open Book, Rose Tremain; Science in Fiction

Chris Power talks to distinguished novelist Rose Tremain.

Chris Power is joined by Rose Tremain to discuss her new book Islands Of Mercy.

Chris Power is joined by  Dame Rose Tremain to discuss her new book Islands Of Mercy which travels from Bath to Borneo, exploring desire and ambition.   Set in the nineteenth century, it follows the story of Jane Adeane, a nurse who is torn between a conventional life in Bath and a more bohemian lifestyle in London.  Her story is contrasted with that of Sir Ralph Savage,  a British Rajah in Borneo, living a life free from the expectations of Victorian society.   
Rose Tremain talks to Chris about this wide ranging novel, and why we all need our own island of mercy. 
Two writers share their experience of creating fiction from science: Mark Blacklock and Benjamin Lapatut discuss using fictional tools to explain and explore some of the most complicated theories in modern maths, geometry and physics. And how to keep the reader on side.
And crime writer  Susie Steiner on how her own experience of illness has made her yearn for more depictions of illness in our fiction.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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Open Book

Rose Tremain; Science in Fiction

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