Birds Without Wings by Louis de Berniéres. This novel is set in a small Anatolian village during the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of modern Turkey and shows how love and friendship of ordinary people and their community are impacted by war and nationalism. The book’s mix of humour, tenderness and tragedy and exploration of tolerance, loss and resilience makes it both moving and compelling.  

Podcast Kermode and Mayo’s Take – Worth listening to if you enjoy film, humour, and a sense of community around cinema. Mark Kermode is one of the UK’s most respected critics, while Simon Mayo brings insightful interviewing and hosting skills. Together, they mix serious film analysis with lighthearted banter. Their jokes, mock arguments, and listener catchphrases make the show feel more like a chat among friends than a formal review. They cover everything from blockbusters to independent films, with interviews from directors, actors, and other figures in the industry. The podcast has built a loyal fanbase (the “church of Wittertainment”), with listeners contributing emails, stories, and running gags that have become part of its character.