ANTONIA PONT The Memory Library. Reviewed by Ann Skea

ANTONIA PONT The Memory Library. Reviewed by Ann Skea

Memories are not merely recounted in Antonia Pont’s novella. How would you like to share someone else’s memories? No, not to just listen to them or read them, but to experience them, to be where they were, do what they were doing, hear what they heard (voices, birds,...
FERDIA LENNON Glorious Exploits. Reviewed by Ann Skea

FERDIA LENNON Glorious Exploits. Reviewed by Ann Skea

Set in the ancient world, Ferdia Lennon’s debut novel features the plays of Euripides, prisoners of war, and an unlikely production of Medea. Syracuse 412 BC So Gelon says to me, ‘Let’s go down and feed the Athenians. The weather’s perfect for feeding Athenians.’ When...
MALCOLM KNOX The First Friend. Reviewed by Ann Skea

MALCOLM KNOX The First Friend. Reviewed by Ann Skea

Malcolm Knox’s new novel satirises the brutal madness of the Soviet Union, focussing on Stalin’s notorious head of secret police, Beria. In the business of producing fiction, the novelist can never keep up with authoritarian political leaders. Such leaders offer an...
STEPHEN DOWNES Mural. Reviewed by Ann Skea

STEPHEN DOWNES Mural. Reviewed by Ann Skea

Stephen Downes’ debut The Hands of Pianists was shortlisted for the PM’s Literary Awards. His second ranges across art, violence, folklore and mental illness. This is a strange book. Not just because the narrator is a violent criminal writing his thoughts for his...
JODI PICOULT By Any Other Name. Reviewed by Sally Nimon

JODI PICOULT By Any Other Name. Reviewed by Sally Nimon

Jodi Picoult’s latest novel reimagines Shakespeare and shows little has changed since the sixteenth century for women playwrights.   ‘I believe we can help each other,’ Emilia said. ‘You wish for everyone to know your name; I wish for no one to know mine.’ So begins...