Described as a book of startling originality, the writer Nicola Barker speaks to Bookclub, presented by James Naughtie, about her 838-page epic novel, Darkmans, which was published in 2007 and shortlisted for the Booker Prize that same year. Set in the town of Ashford, Kent, the novel centres around a father and son relationship - Daniel and Kane Beede - and a jester from the court of Edward IV makes his presence known in mysterious ways.
Producer: Dominic Howell
Editor: Gillian Wheelan
This was a BBC Audio Scotland production.
Author image credit: Colin Alderman
Published on Sunday, 3rd May 2026.
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