Robin Walker, the Conservative MP for Worcester, is this week’s bookbencher. He tells us about the influence that his father (Peter Walker) had on his reading, and his love of Elgar.
Which book’s on your bedside table at the moment?
When Christ and his Saints Slept, a historical novel about Stephen and Matilda by Sharon Penman and The Arabs, a History by Eugene Rogan. Neither is an entirely cheerful read but they are both fascinating in their own right, well written, full of detail and personal colour and deal with the sufferings of people and nations when they are let down by weak or divided leadership. I think understanding history is essential to understanding the present.
Which book would you read to your children?
I already love reading to my nephews and nieces, but don’t yet have any children of my own. I was lucky to grow up with two parents who were passionate about books and so I have a tough act to follow when it comes to reading to children.
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