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Every book Emma Thompson recommended on podcasts

Guest on SmartLess · 4 books · 1 episode across 1 podcast

Emma Thompson appeared on the SmartLess podcast to discuss literature and recommended several books that she found meaningful. She recommended Getting Over Your Parents by The School of Life, describing it as a very important book for anyone who is human. Thompson also praised Hans Fallada's novel Alone in Berlin, calling it an incredible and beautiful book that listeners should read. In addition to her recommendations, Thompson brought up other titles she had with her during the conversation. She mentioned Truth and Repair by Judith Lewis Herman, noting the author's previous work on trauma and recovery. She also referenced On Being Nice, another publication by The School of Life, while discussing books she was currently reading and keeping close at hand. Throughout her appearance, Thompson shared her appreciation for works that explore human psychology, personal relationships, and historical narratives.

Books recommended by Emma Thompson

Who said what is determined automatically. In hand-checked samples, at least 6% of mentions were credited to the wrong speaker — sometimes an interviewer’s line recorded as the guest’s, sometimes the reverse. Every entry below quotes the words and links to the episode, so you can check it.

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  1. Alone in Berlin

    Hans Fallada · Recommended · 1 episode

    Alone in Berlin is a powerful historical novel by Hans Fallada that portrays ordinary German citizens engaging in quiet, perilous acts of resistance against the Nazi regime.

    Recommended
    “And um so Alone in Berlin for me is just this beautiful. I mean the book is incredible. If you haven't read it, do um it's Hafner, isn't it?”
    SmartLess Emma Thompson 2026-06-29
    Where to get it
  2. Getting Over Your Parents

    The School of Life · Recommended · 1 episode

    Getting Over Your Parents by The School of Life is a thoughtful guide that explores the complex emotional dynamics and psychological challenges of separating one's identity from parental influence.

    Recommended
    “Then there's getting over your parents which is a very important book for anyone who is human.”
    SmartLess Emma Thompson 2026-06-29
    Where to get it
  3. On Being Nice

    The School of Life · Discussed · 1 episode

    Discussed
    “And then there's on being nice which of course is a very important thing but don't take it too far.”
    SmartLess Emma Thompson 2026-06-29
    Where to get it
  4. Truth and Repair

    Judith Lewis Herman · Discussed · 1 episode

    Discussed
    “So the the books are truth and repair by a woman called Judith El Herman, author of trauma and recovery.”
    SmartLess Emma Thompson 2026-06-29
    Where to get it

Appearances

EpisodePodcastDateBooks
Emma ThompsonSmartLess2026-06-294
Other mentions (3: passing, ad reads, own books)
Passing Trauma and Recovery
“So the the books are truth and repair by a woman called Judith El Herman, author of trauma and recovery.”
Passing Harry Potter
“Well, it was it's written in the books that she has those glasses books.”
Passing Slow Horses
“I did a telly recently is it's a series called Down Cemetery Road which is a quote from a Philip Larkin poem and it's a Mick Herren book. is the slow horses group.”