Main content

Marlon James: A Brief History of Seven Killings

James Naughtie and readers talk to Marlon James about his Booker Prize winning novel, A Brief History of Seven Killings.

Marlon James answers readers' questions about his award-winning novel, A Brief History of Seven Killings. The novel, which is narrated by multiple characters, opens in Jamaica in the run-up to the 1976 election. Kingston is riven by violence as competing gangs, some supported by the US government, compete for territory and control of the drugs trade. The novel is based on real events, including a planned assassination attempt on Bob Marley. Marlon James talks to readers about writing multiple characters, his approach to describing violence and how he sees the book now, ten years after publication.

Forthcoming recordings at 1830 at 成人论坛 Broadcasting House in London

10 July - Ayobami Adebayo on Stay With Me
14 August - Ken Follett on A Column of Fire
25 September - Susanna Clarke on Piranesi

Available now

28 minutes

Last on

Sun 14 Jul 2024 00:15

Broadcasts

  • Sun 7 Jul 2024 16:00
  • Sun 14 Jul 2024 00:15

How many of these 100 Novels have you read?

How many of these 100 Novels have you read?

After a passionate debate, our panel has come up with this surprising literary selection.

Bookclub at 20

Bookclub at 20

Sebastian Faulks, Naomi Alderman and more select favourite editions of the programme

Sample our books and authors Clip Collection

Interviews, previews and reviews

Short stories to keep

The fiction podcast featuring the best stories from the UK's finest writers

Books

Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.

Podcast