For our 200th episode, we are joined by Richard Osman: television presenter, longtime Backlisted listener, and one of the bestselling authors in the world today. We discuss Trustee from the Toolroom (1960), the final novel by Nevil Shute Norway, whose other books include A Town Like Alice (1950) and On the Beach (1957), widely read in his lifetime but now somewhat forgotten or ignored. How did Shute's long and distinguished stint as an aeronautical engineer fit with his parallel career as a prominent and much-loved author? And what do his tales of ordinary people doing extraordinary things have to offer us in the 21st century? Richard also shares with John and Andy what he's been reading this week; and if you've been with us from the start, you will appreciate his choices all the more.

Books mentioned:
Nevil Shute - Trustee from the Toolroom; A Town Like Alice; On the Beach; In the Wet; Slide Rule: An Autobigraphy
Richard Osman - The Thursday Murder Club; The Man Who Died Twice; The Bullet That Missed; The Last Devil to Die
J.L. Carr - A Month in the Country
Alan Partridge - A Big Beacon; A Big Beacon (audiobook)
Barbara Pym - Quartet in Autumn

Other links:
Great Lives (BBC R4) - Nevil Shute with Adam Hart-Davis and Heather Mayfield, (Nevil Shute’s daughter)
The Nevil Shute Norway Foundation