Simon Mayo's Books of the Year cover art

Simon Mayo's Books of the Year

Simon Mayo's Books of the Year

By: Bauer Media
Listen for free

Simon Mayo & Matt Williams invite the world's finest authors in for a chat

Art Literary History & Criticism
Episodes
  • Dawn French Q&A
    Jul 1 2026

    Comedian and author Dawn French joins Simon and Matt for our Q&A episode.

    We learn about her writing routine, favourite snacks, her love for Kae Tempest's writing, the people she always shares her book with first - and - who she'd invite to her fantasy dinner party.

    We also surprise Dawn with a question from the poet, Donna Ashworth!

    Remember you can email us anytime: booksoftheyear@yahoo.com

    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
  • Dawn French
    Jun 24 2026

    Comedian, actor and bestselling author Dawn French joins Simon and Matt for a natter about her new novel, 'Enough'.

    She talks about her personal inspirations for the story, white crows, teenage crushes (Donny Osmond VS David Cassidy) and how she sees her book a as a film.

    There are some deep and poignant moments too - where Dawn talks about her father's suicide, and her Mum's death - specifically the agency her mum had over the end of her life.

    They also chat about a shared love of Barcelona, family recipes - and - Dean Friedman.

    Here's a little more on Dawn's novel - 'Enough':

    Etta is sixty-eight years old. Happy, healthy and an active participant in her world, she’s gathered her family together for an unforgettable weekend.
    Tick.

    At 5am that Saturday morning, Etta wakes her daughter, her granddaughter, her son and her daughter-in-law up to lead everyone down to the beach. To ‘Etta’s Hollow’, where a roaring fire has already been lit. Drowsy but delighted – the sun is just starting to rise for a glorious dawn – Etta’s family bask in the beauty of the moment. A memory to be cherished forever.
    Tick.

    Until twenty minutes later, when Etta announces to her assembled beloveds something as shocking as it is alarming. ‘I have brought you all down to the beach this morning to tell you something important. You see, the thing is, today is my last day alive.’
    Boom.

    Over the next twenty-four hours, Etta and her family are about to have the most surprising, affecting and life-affirming day of all their lives.

    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • Matt Haig Q&A
    Jun 16 2026

    In our Q&A episode - international bestselling author Matt Haig talks about some of the books he's been enjoying recently (including 'Yesteryear' by Caro Claire Burke), the Brontes, how he orders his bookshelves and his favourite film adaptation of a book.

    Simon and Matt also ask him about his mentor - and whether he takes risks as a writer.

    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
No reviews yet