Join Mariella as she visits the rural retreat of Dominic West, star of The Wire and Les Misérables, to unveil his secret hopes and fears through the books he loves.

You’ll discover his favourite story to read his children, the travel classic that sent him on his way and the surprising autobiography he highly rates. Stick around and you’ll even witness him reading aloud his most treasured graphic erotic poetry.

Mariella learns how these books have inspired and guided him throughout his life - to connect with his Irish roots, to fear nationalism, and even learn how to persuade a chimp to let go of a penis! Along the way you’ll also hear why libraries are the sexiest places on earth and discover the common themes underlying Dominic’s choices – sex and death. Perhaps you’ll join them in concluding that intensive therapy is needed!

Dominic’s book choices: The book that… … He reads to his children: ‘Big Ugly Monster and Little Stone Rabbit’ by Christopher Wormell, 2004 … He remembers reading as a teen: ‘A Time of Gifts’ by Patrick Leigh Fermor, 1977 … Mirrors our current political landscape: ‘The World of Yesterday: Memoirs of a European’ by Stefen Zweig, 1942 … Is a written by a larger than life friend: ‘A Lion in the Bedroom: The Fabulous High Life of an Heiress Who Couldn’t Say No’ by Pat Cavendish O'Neil, 2004 … Contains the most gripping erotic poetry: ‘The Platonic Blow’ by W. H. Auden, 1965 (poem) … Reminds him of his Mum: Unspecified poems of Thomas Hardy, written 1989-1928

Presenter and Executive Producer: Mariella Frostrup Producers: Sera Baker and Milly Chowles Researcher: Judy Elliot Music: Matt Clifford at Music and Voices TBI Media Production for BBC Sounds