by Isabel Ibañez (£20, HB, Hodder & Stoughton) If you’ve been curious about fantasy literature but never tempted to try it, this sumptuous, Renaissance-set tale may be the perfect way in. It follows s

Literary news andreviews with alocal flavour

by Harriet Lane (£20, HB, Orion) What lies beneath the image we construct of ourselves? Ruth, newly divorced and drifting as her daughter leaves home, feels invisible – until Sookie, her dazzling form

2026 SPECIAL

Our books editor Zoe West’s favourite picks for the month

Time for our rundown of recent theatrical releases ...