Episode: Ep255: A Good Read: Jeremy Paxman & Mary Beard

Jeremy Paxman and Mary Beard argue heatedly and entertainingly about the books they love, with presenter Harriett Gilbert acting as referee. Jeremy's choice is Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk by Ben Fountain: a rollercoaster of a novel that's been called the Catch-22 of the Iraq War. The Return of Martin Guerre by Natalie Zemon Davis is classicist Mary Beard's recommendation. It's a depiction of French peasant life that's been described as even greater than the film of the same story. Travels with my Aunt, a genuinely funny novel by Graham Greene, is Harriett Gilbert's contribution.