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Start the Week: Reading the Bible

Reading the Bible

BBC Radio 4 - Start the Week, Reading the Bible

Kirsty Wark swaps Bible stories with Marilynne Robinson, Naomi Alderman and Malika Booker

The writers Marilynne Robinson and Naomi Alderman, and the poet Malika Booker explore the power of the Bible, with Kirsty Wark

The American author Marilynne Robinson is celebrated as a writer of fiction and non-fiction that raises philosophical questions about how to live an ethical life. In her latest book, Reading Genesis, she explores the stories in the Bible and God’s promise of enduring covenant with humanity.

The writer Naomi Alderman grew up with stories from the Old Testament, and although no longer a believer, attests to the power and strangeness of these ancient stories. She wishes they were as popular as the Greek myths.

The poet Malika Booker grew up in Guyana where she says the King James Bible was ubiquitous. Its language has influenced her own work, and in recent years she has set herself the task of creolising the Bible, infusing its stories with the cadences of home.

Producer: Katy Hickman

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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