...AND THE BEST RADIO

SUNDAY WORLD BOOK CLUB WORLD SERVICE, 2.05PM

Bill Bryson’s Notes From A Small Island, the American author’s affectionate portrait of his adoptive country, was a huge bestseller 20 years ago. Of course, the UK has changed dramatically since those days, so what does Bryson (right) have to say about the book now?

JOURNEYS WITH MY VIOLIN RADIO 3, 11PM

Global star violinist Tasmin Little had planned a countdown to her retirement from performing but a serious finger injury and the pandemic put paid to that. In this three-part programme, she reveals the journey her career has taken her on, from starting out 30 years ago to her last performance in December.

MONDAY FALL: THE MYSTERY OF ROBERT MAXWELL RADIO 4, 9.45AM & 12.30AM, MONDAY-FRIDAY

As Ghislaine Maxwell awaits trial over her alleged involvement in the Epstein scandal, Henry Goodman reads from John Preston’s fascinating biography of her father, the former Labour MP and newspaper tycoon who fell spectacularly from grace and whose subsequent death in 1991 is still shrouded in mystery. See Craig Brown, p70.

FALLING FOR FRANCOISE RADIO 4 EXTRA, 2.30PM

The epitome of gamine Gallic chic and cool, singer Françoise Hardy was an icon of the 1960s (even though she represented Monaco at Eurovision in 1963). John Andrew revisits Paris, where he lost his heart to her, talks to those similarly smitten and actually meets his heroine.

TUESDAY VICTORIA WOOD – FROM SOUP TO NUTS RADIO 4, 6.30PM

The Bafta-winner’s legion of devoted fans will enjoy this two-part look at the work of one of this country’s most loved comedians. Rebecca Front presents a trawl through Wood’s own archive and battered cassette tapes of her stand-up, characters and songs.

WEDNESDAY GOSSIP AND GODDESSES WITH GRANNY KUMAR, RADIO 4, 6.30PM

Meera Syal’s (left) comedy character returns, and now, while her family are stranded in quarantine on a cruise ship, Granny Kumar decides to host a women’s chat show with great-granddaughter Maya and ‘frenemy’ Geeta. She invites her favourite women, starting with journalist Samira Ahmed and Thandie Newton.

FRIDAY CROWDSCIENCE: CAN I IMPROVE MY SENSE OF DIRECTION? WORLD SERVICE, 8.30PM

Why is it easier for some people to find their way around than others? Presenter Marnie Chesterton talks to psychologists, neuroscientists and London taxi drivers and learns that your personality may give you an advantage, as well as growing up in the countryside.