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Every book Peter Straughan recommended on podcasts
Peter Straughan appeared on The Book Review to discuss the intricacies of adapting political and historical source material for the screen, specifically highlighting his work on the film adaptation of Robert Harris's novel 'Conclave'. Straughan praised the tight structure of 'Conclave', explaining that it provided a perfect, natural framework for a screenplay compared to other complex narratives. Reflecting on his past screenwriting projects, he contrasted 'Conclave' with the narrative challenges of adapting John le Carré's 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy' and Hilary Mantel's 'Wolf Hall', noting that neither of those works fell easily into traditional film or television shapes. He also referenced the wider Mantel canon, acknowledging that he adapted the third book in the Thomas Cromwell trilogy, 'The Mirror and the Light'. When asked about books he would love to adapt in the future, Straughan named Hilary Mantel's earlier historical novel 'A Place of Greater Safety', which focuses on the French Revolution. Throughout the discussion, Straughan drew on his extensive experience translating dense, acclaimed historical and political literature into controlled, nuanced cinematic performances and cohesive screenplays, demonstrating a deep appreciation for pacing, character subtlety, and structural integrity within narrative adaptations.
Books recommended by Peter Straughan
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A Place of Greater Safety
A Place of Greater Safety by Hilary Mantel is an immersive historical novel that traces the intense lives, political ambitions, and tragic fates of key figures during the French Revolution.
Recommended“but it's another book by Hillary Montel which is called place of Greater safety um about the French Revolution which um which he wrote before wol fall and I read long ago”
Where to get it
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Conclave
Conclave by Robert Harris is a compelling thriller that takes readers deep inside the secretive, high-stakes political maneuvering of the Vatican as cardinals gather to elect a new pope.
Discussed“Robert Harris's book the book this is based on it's it's very tight and to my mind it felt like a a perfect framework for a a screenplay”
Where to get it
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The Mirror and the Light
Discussed“there's three books by the way for wol fall there's the mirror and the light the third one which we've also adapted”
Where to get it
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Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is a classic espionage novel by John le Carré that follows the intricate investigations of intelligence officer George Smiley.
Discussed“um it doesn't have to fall into film shape um Tinker Taylor certainly didn't”
Where to get it
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Wolf Hall
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel is a meticulously researched historical fiction novel that chronicles the rise of Thomas Cromwell in the court of Henry VIII.
Discussed“Wolf Hall didn't fall easily into um you know sort TV narrative shape”
Where to get it
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| ‘Conclave’ Screenwriter Peter Straughan on a Papal Election, Politics and Power | The Book Review | 2025-03-01 | 10 |