Radio Times

Review by:

Jane Anderson

How often do we get to hear three intelligent women have a real humdinger of a debate? Intellectual muscles are not so much flexed as contracted like an Olympian weightlifter as RT’s own Alison Graham stands up for her favourite book — Jonathan Coe’s The Rain before It Falls.

Businesswoman and fellow guest Sophi Tranchell argues that every character in the novel is unlikeable. What’s wrong with that, queries Alison, a sinister timbre creeping in. It’s a superb battle of the brains, overseen by diplomatic host Harriett Gilbert. I won’t reveal who wins, just advise you to enjoy this contest of finely-honed wit and pith.

About this programme

Fairtrade entrepeneur Sophi Tranchell and TV critic Alison Graham join Harriett Gilbert to discuss Henning Mankell's thriller The Man From Beijing, Jonathan Coe's family tragedy The Rain Before It Falls and Graham Greene's satire Our Man in Havana.

Cast and crew

Cast

Presenter

Harriett Gilbert

Contributor

Sophi Tranchell

Contributor

Alison Graham

Crew

Producer

John Byrne

Producer

Sara Davies

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