Literature
Books, writing, reviews, poetry, and storytelling.
‘Being hated is very bracing’: Helen Garner on surviving three marriages and being called a ‘rotten feminist’
Her unsparing fiction and true crime writing have made her one of Australia’s most controversial and celebrated authors. The author discusses relationships, resilience – and finding global recognition
The best recent translated fiction – review roundup
Minihorror by Barbi Marković; Paradise Burns by Pol Guasch; Hafni Says by Helle Helle; Googling for Soul by Hamid Ismailov Minihorror by Barbi Marković, translated by Jen Calleja (Faber, £14.99) This
Attention Seeking Behaviour by Aea Varfis-van Warmelo review – a slippery liar’s tale
Shortlisted for the Goldsmiths prize, this compelling interrogation of memory, justice and truth offers no easy answers The Goldsmiths prize-shortlisted debut from British-Greek author Aea Varfis-van
Are You With Me Now? by Hanif Kureishi review – a novelist unleashed
The constraints of Kureishi’s life after a devastating accident infuse his writing with a new and thrilling immediacy Some months after returning home, after a grim year in hospitals in Rome and Londo
Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? by Judi Dench review – whatever you do, don’t call her a ‘national treasure’
The actor waxes lyrical on directors, dildos and why she hates being referred to as though she’s a dusty old relic In the late 1950s, Judi Dench was invited to meet a major Hollywood producer about a
Romantasy fans turn out for 'Midnight Maas' release event
The highly anticipated, latest installment of Sarah J. Maas' romantasy series has hit the shelves. Hardcore fans were lined up (in their faerie ears) at the stroke of midnight.
‘Our third date was at Buckingham Palace’: Marlon James and Nicholas Boggs on life as a literary power couple
Shortlisted for the Booker and Baillie Gifford prizes respectively, the novelist and biographer talk about working and living together – and giving a voice to Black queer history The literary power co
Children’s and teens roundup – the best new picture books and novels
A sumptuous collection of fairytales; a dreamy Minotaur retelling; the explosive finale of the YA Torch Trilogy and more Dogs, Dogs, Dogs by John Devolle, Pushkin, £12.99 “Old dogs, young dogs, dogs o
Can people on death row be redeemed? Lawrence Wright's new book explores this question
Author Lawrence Wright thought he knew the Texas justice system. But a closer look at the lives of women on death row made him question who deserves the death penalty.
'From socialite to shopgirl': American Girl Samantha gets a new story
As the American Girl doll company celebrates its 40th anniversary, Samantha has turned 25 — and is the subject of a new historical fiction novel by author Fiona Davis.
‘Is there any value in writing a story in a time of chaos?’: novelist Elif Shafak on her creative crisis
The author talks about her nomadic childhood, being targeted by the Turkish government and overcoming depression to write her latest novel For a long time Elif Shafak was referred to as Turkey’s “most
The best books to read in October: new paperbacks from Zadie Smith, Thomas Pynchon and Francis Spufford
Looking for a new reading recommendation? Here are some brilliant new paperbacks, from a time-travelling fantasy novel to an eclectic essay collection. Discuss what you’re reading in paperback in the
Poet and essayist Anne Carson wins 2026 Nobel Prize in literature
Carson's writing, including The Beauty of the Husband, Autobiography of Red, and Eros the Bittersweet, is eclectic in genre and theme.
Here are the finalists for the 2026 National Book Awards
Three-time National Book Award finalist Edwidge Danticat and debut novelist Morgan Thomas are up for the fiction prize. Nonfiction books cover the prison system and music, and queer parenthood.
The 2026 Booker Prize shortlist is 'writing at its best'
This year's shortlist is made up of former Booker winners and debut authors, with tales spanning a wide range of genres, from historical fiction to campus novel to dystopian fiction.
Inside the 'herd impunity' behind Biden's Gaza policy
Akbar Shahid Ahmed discusses his new book, Crossing the Red Line: Biden, His Advisors, and Israel's War in Gaza.
A new cookbook pays tribute to two New Orleans staples — 'Rhythm & Roux'
At Bayou Bar, music and food go hand in hand. Which is why a new cookbook from chef Brian Landry and bandleader Peter Harris has recipes from the menu and stories from the musicians who play there.
Children’s and teens roundup – the best new picture books and novels
A tiger’s tale; the young Henry VIII; a fantasy follow‑up from Katherine Rundell; small-town secrets; ghosts galore and more Once Upon a Tiger by Sarah Massini, S&S, £14.99 Tiger is irate to find thre