Which book defined your generation? With  Irvine Welsh and Derek Owusu

Which book defined your generation? With Irvine Welsh and Derek Owusu

Author: Penguin Books UK August 6, 2025 Duration: 47:30

What would you recommend an inspiring writer to read? What is the best gateway book to get into reading? Who are the new and upcoming Scottish novelists working today to watch out for?

 

Recorded live at Latitude Festival, Irvine Welsh sits down with host Rhianna Dhillon to delve into his new novel Men in Love, the eagerly awaited sequel to Trainspotting, which explores the vibrant landscape of youth culture through the decades and the nuances of defining a generation through the arts. Plus, award-winning author and Penguin colleague Derek Owusu joins the panel, providing personalised book recommendations to audience members. We also speak to readers at the festival and ask them: what is the book that defined your youth? 

 


Find all the books mentioned in this episode and more at by clicking this link: The Penguin Podcast: Latitude special

Follow our dedicated Broadcast channel on Instagram for exclusive content and giveaways: @PenguinUKBooks


Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast


Irvine Welsh was born and raised in Edinburgh. His first novel, Trainspotting, has sold over one million copies in the UK and was adapted into an era-defining film. He has written fourteen further novels, including the number one Sunday Times bestseller Dead Men’s Trousers, four books of shorter fiction and numerous plays and screenplays. Irvine Welsh currently lives between London, Edinburgh and Miami.

 

Derek Owusu is a writer, poet and podcaster from north London. He discovered his passion for literature at the age of twenty-three while studying exercise science at university. Unable to afford a change of degree, Derek began reading voraciously and sneaking into English Literature lectures at the University of Manchester. Derek first book That Reminds Me, won the Desmond Elliott Prize 2020 and his new novel Recovery House will be published in 2026.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Ever find yourself staring at a bookshelf, utterly paralysed by choice, or finishing a masterpiece only to feel that peculiar emptiness of not knowing where to go next? Ask Penguin is for that exact moment. Guided by host Rhianna Dhillon, this podcast from Penguin Books UK transforms those universal readerly dilemmas into lively conversation. Each episode tackles real questions from listeners-the quirky, the tricky, the desperately urgent-about what to read next. The answers don’t come from an algorithm, but from genuine dialogue with bestselling authors and the editors, designers, and passionate insiders who help bring books to life. You’ll find yourself revisiting beloved classics with fresh eyes and being introduced to hidden gems you might have otherwise missed. It’s a warm, insightful space that feels like having a brilliant friend in the publishing world, one who knows that a great book recommendation is about more than just plot; it’s about connection, mood, and the next perfect story waiting to crack open your world. Tune in for thoughtful discussions that celebrate the sheer breadth of literature, from page-turning fiction to groundbreaking non-fiction, all within the vibrant landscape of arts and culture. This is where curiosity meets its match, and your next favourite read is always just an episode away.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Ask Penguin
Podcast Episodes
A day in the life of a Publicist with Alison Barrow [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:49
In this bonus episode we speak with Alison Barrow, Publicity Director at Penguin Books, to explore the fascinating world of book publicity. Alison shares insights into her role, offering a glimpse into her daily life as…
The human experience and AI with Jeanette Winterson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:16
In this bonus episode from The Penguin Podcast, Episode 11 - Winter Reads, Jeanette Winterson shares her fascinating perspective on our relationship with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the evolution of human consciousn…
A day in the life of a Books Editor with Simon Prosser [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:26
Ever wondered what the role of an Editor at Penguin Books involves? In our second bonus episode, Rhianna speaks with Publishing Director, Simon Prosser about what a typical day of an editor is like and when they ever get…
How to tackle reading the big Classics with Henry Eliot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:30
In a special bonus episode taken from Episode 3: The Classics with Henry Eliot and Gill Hornby we share author and editor Henry Eliot's tips on tackling some of Classics' biggest tomes. Explore the full list of the books…
Episode 12:  Best books of the year [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:00
We round-up a year of reading with recommendations from Penguin colleagues of their favourite books of the year and a look at what they are most excited for you to read in 2025. Explore the full list of the books discuss…
Episode 11: Winter Reads with Jeanette Winterson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:16
Joining us this week is award-winning author Jeanette Winterson, as we explore her captivating new collection of ghost stories, Night Side of the River, and provide listeners with reading recommendations based on their w…
Episode 9: How to Get Published with Jennie Godfrey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:49
This week we unpick the publishing process, answering all of your questions from how to find an agent to what it's like working with your editor and publicity team. Joining Rhianna in the studio is the Sunday Times bests…
Episode 8: Christmas gifting with William Hanson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:28
As the Christmas season approaches, we’ve assembled an expert panel to help you navigate your gifting dilemmas and find the ideal presents for everyone on your list. Plus, how do you politely decline a festive party? And…
Episode 7: Historical Fiction with Jodi Picoult [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:35
Join us as we time-travel through our bookshelves as we recommend must-read historical fiction in answer to your reading requests. Plus, bestselling author Jodi Picoult shares her theory on the true author behind Shakesp…