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Rebecca included in a new list of novels that have shaped our lives

The BBC is beginning a year-long celebration of literature, an ambitious new season to mark the 300th anniversary of the English Language novel, citing Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe as the first recognised English Language novel.


The celebration begins with a series entitled Novels That Shaped Our Lives, shown in three one-hour episodes starting on Saturday 9th November on BBC2 at 9.45pm.  This will follow a launch programme screened live from the British Library at 1pm on Friday (8th November) via iPlayer.


One hundred books have been chosen by a panel of experts comprising the Times Literary Supplement editor Stig Abell, founder and director of the Bradford Literary Festival Syima Aslam, novelists Kit de Waal and Juno Dawson, author and academic Alexander McCall Smith and journalist and presenter Mariella Frostrup.  They have spent many months reading, debating and selecting an array of contemporary reads, literary classics, graphic novels and children’s books. 


Jonty Claypole, director, BBC Arts, said:


We asked our prestigious panel to create a list of world-changing novels that would be provocative, spark debate and inspire curiosity.  It took months of enthusiastic debate and they have not disappointed.  There are neglected masterpieces, irresistible romps as well as much-loved classics.


The novels have been divided into ten sections:

Identity
Politics, Power and Protest
Rule Breakers
Love, Sex and Romance
Coming of Age
Adventure
Life, Death and Other Worlds
Class and Society
Family and Friendships
Crime and Conflict.

We are delighted that Rebecca by our very own Daphne du Maurier has been included in this new list.  You will find her in the Crime and Conflict section.

 

     

     




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