Nick Hornby

Few can challenge novelist Nick Hornby's skill or popularity as the chronicler of the middle-aged everyman in crisis.

His latest work, A Long Way Down, sees him expand his range: this time four suicidal saddos find themselves vying for prime position on the roof of a London building famous for its highrise jumping qualities one New Year's Eve.

Solidarity takes over and the foursome form an improbable but effective self-help group instead, promising to meet up again on Valentine's Day.

Each character tells their own story in a voice that's distinctive, yet always Nick Hornby's own. Tonight he talks to journalist Francine Stock about his remarkable career, and reads from his work.