Authors & publishers
Time and Family: A Review of Donal Ryan's Where Are the Kings
Irish author Donal Ryan's latest novel, Where Are the Kings, explores the complexities of family relationships and the passage of time.
The Guardian Books
Staff reporter at The Spine and Page, covering Books & Reading.
Authors & publishers
Authors Urge Business Rates Relief for Bookshops
Independent booksellers and authors call on the government to extend business rates relief to bookshops, citing the impact of rising bills on the sector.
The book trade
Charles Spencer to Publish Book About Late Sister Diana
Charles Spencer, Earl Spencer, is set to release a book about his sister Diana, titled Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, in September. The book aims to tell the truth about Diana from her brother's perspective.
Books
Sunrise by Téa Obreht review - secrets and myths in the American west
Téa Obreht's latest novel, Sunrise, delves into the American west, exploring themes of death, miracles, and the power of storytelling.
Books
Bestselling True Crime Author Dropped by Publisher Amid Abuse Allegations
Christopher Berry-Dee, a top-selling author of true crime in the UK, has been dropped by his publisher Bonnier Books UK following allegations of abuse.
The book trade
Ukrainian Lessons by Charlotte Higgins review - when art and war collide
Charlotte Higgins' book Ukrainian Lessons explores the intersection of art and war in Ukraine, highlighting the ways in which artists and writers are responding to the conflict
Reading life
The Ancient Partnership Behind Our Health and Intelligence
New research reveals the crucial role of mitochondria in our brain function and overall well-being, shedding light on the reasons behind the importance of sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet.
The book trade
Audiobook Review: Universality by Natasha Brown
A satirical novel that dissects wealth, class, and the media through multiple voices.
The book trade
Mario Vargas Llosa's Final Novel is a Love Letter to Peru
The Nobel laureate's final novel, I Give You My Silence, is an eccentric love letter to his native country and its music. The book follows the quixotic hero Toño Azpilcueta, a music journalist who embarks on a project to write a biography of a deceased guitarist, Lalo Molfino.
The book trade
The Ego Trip by Kimon de Greef review - a bizarre tale of psychedelic toads and hair-raising treatments
A review of The Ego Trip by Kimon de Greef, a book that delves into the world of psychedelic toads and the dark tale of Octavio Rettig, a self-proclaimed practitioner of indigenous medicine.
The book trade
A Masterful Account of Fiction in Britain
Philip Hensher's book is a comprehensive and engaging history of the novel in Britain, spanning over two centuries.
Authors & publishers
Something Like Happiness by Tom Newlands review - a tender take on hard times, anger and autism
Tom Newlands' novel explores the complex relationships between Frazer, Caitlin, and their five-year-old son Jamie, who has autism. The story delves into the couple's struggles with anger, domestic abuse, and the challenges of caring for a child with autism.
Reading life
Robert Harris's Agrippa: A Gripping Portrait of Ancient Rome's Rivalries
Robert Harris's latest novel, Agrippa, delves into the world of ancient Rome, focusing on the life of Agrippa, Octavius's right-hand man. Harris's narrative weaves a complex tale of power struggles, betrayals, and shifting alliances, offering a nuanced portrayal of a Rome exhausted by civil strife.
The book trade
The Ghost of the Mountains by Kulbhushansingh Suryawanshi review - the secrets of the snow leopard
A compelling and intimate look at the elusive snow leopard, a mountain-dwelling species that is often misunderstood and endangered.
Reading life
Sky City by Jacqueline Crooks review - an ambitious, lyrical portrait of trauma
Jacqueline Crooks's second novel, Sky City, is a haunting and polyphonic meditation on trauma and belonging that explores the lasting impact of childhood trauma on a person's life.
The book trade
Daron Acemoglu’s New Book Examines the Crisis of Liberal Democracy
Economist Daron Acemoglu explores the decline of liberal democracy in his latest book, attributing its struggles to the left’s shift from economic class to identity politics. He proposes a 'working-class liberal democracy' as a solution, advocating for economic growth, community decision-making, and AI-assisted labor. While insightful, his critique of progressive elites contains contradictions.
Books
Is Beauty Good by Rosalind Belben review - the literary equivalent of free jazz
Rosalind Belben's novel Is Beauty Good is a unique and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience, delving into themes of beauty, nature, and the loss of the natural world.
The book trade
A Delicate Exploration of Mother-Daughter Relationships in Rachel Aviv's 'You Won't Get Free of It'
Rachel Aviv's latest book, 'You Won't Get Free of It', is a collection of six stories about mothers and daughters, delving into the complexities of their relationships and the impact of mental health on their lives.
Reading life
Tom Overton's Biography of John Berger: A Vibrant Exploration of the Pioneering Critic
Tom Overton's biography of John Berger, 'John Berger: From Life', offers a vibrant and detailed exploration of the pioneering critic's life and work. The book delves into Berger's complex and contradictory personality, his passion for storytelling, and his influential ideas on art and society.
The book trade
James Cahill’s ‘The Beverly Hills Housewife’ Explores Hockney’s Iconic Portrait
James Cahill’s new book delves into David Hockney’s 1966/7 painting *Beverly Hills Housewife*, using it as a lens to examine the artist’s relationship with Los Angeles, his friendship with art collector Betty Freeman, and the cultural landscape of mid-century America. Cahill’s analysis blends art history with anecdotes, offering insights into Hockney’s narrative style and the layered meanings behind the painting’s serene surface.
News
Irvine Welsh's Can Nothing Save Us? Explores Generational Despair in a Late-Career Triumph
Irvine Welsh's latest novel, Can Nothing Save Us?, is a bold American family saga that delves into intergenerational nihilism and societal decline. Set against the backdrop of Las Vegas and the aftermath of mass shootings, the story follows Luke Ayrton, a disillusioned college dropout, and his grandparents, George and Molly, as they grapple with past traumas and the fading ideals of their youth. Welsh's masterful storytelling and sharp social satire make this a compelling and heartfelt explorati