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Anthony Horowitz

Kirsty Young's castaway is writer Anthony Horowitz.

Kirsty Young's first castaway of 2007 is the writer Anthony Horowitz. He's a prolific author. His first novel was published when he was 23 and, as well as a series of children's books featuring the 'super spy' Alex Rider, he's also penned a slew of television crime programmes including Murder Most Horrid, Midsomer Murders and Foyle's Law. He first turned to writing when he was at boarding school; he was desperately unhappy and it offered some form of escape. His childhood was peopled by Dickensian figures - although he was brought up in lavish surroundings, his parents were distant and he was brought up by a string of nannies, while he so hated his domineering grandmother that he literally danced on her grave after her death.

Perhaps it is unsurprising that his books often deal with the fragility of childhood and the robustness of children. A father now himself, he says he envies his own children their confidence and happiness. He says that he doesn't consider his work great, or even important - but he does like to think it agreeable and surprising.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: She's Always A Woman by Billy Joel
Book: A large French dictionary
Luxury: Fountain pen, ink and paper

Available now

45 minutes

Last on

Fri 5 Jan 2007 09:00
Â鶹ÊÓƵAV Radio 4

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Music Played

  • Frédéric Chopin

    Etude in C minor, Op. 10/12 'Revolutionary'

    Soloist: Vladimir Horowitz

    • Vladimir Horowitz: Early Romantics.
    • Sony Classical.

  • The Beatles

    Eleanor Rigby

    • One.
    • Apple.

  • Antonio Vivaldi

    Et in terra pax (from Gloria in D major)

    Choir: The Taverner Choir and Players

    • Vivaldi: Gloria, Magnificat.
    • Virgin Classics.

  • Moulin Rouge

    El Tango De Roxanne

    Artist: Ewan McGregor, Jose Feliciano & Jacek Koman

    • The Soundtrack to Moulin Rouge.
    • Interscope.

  • Castaway's Favourite

    • Billy Joel

      She's Always A Woman

      • All Time Greatest Love Songs- Volume 11.
      • Columbia.

  • Michael Tippett

    Go down Moses (from A Child of our Time)

    Soloist: John Shirley Quirk Choir: Â鶹ÊÓƵAV Singers, Choral Society Orchestra: Â鶹ÊÓƵAV Symphony Orchestra Conductor: Sir Colin Davis

    • A Child of Our Time.
    • Philips.

  • David Healey

    Sit Down, You're Rockin' The Boat

    • Original National Theatre Cast of Guys and Dolls.
    • Music For Pleasure.

  • Benjamin Britten

    In the midst of life (from Albert Herring)

    Choir: The full cast recorded live at the Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh in April 1964

    • Benjamin Britten: Albert Herring.
    • London.

  • Book Choice

    • A large French dictionary

  • Luxury Choice

    • Fountain pen, ink and paper

Credits

Presenter Kirsty Young
Interviewed Guest Anthony Horowitz

Broadcasts

  • Sun 31 Dec 2006 11:15
    Â鶹ÊÓƵAV Radio 4
  • Fri 5 Jan 2007 09:00
    Â鶹ÊÓƵAV Radio 4

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