The acclaimed American author and literary critic talks to Zoe West

I’D just started work as a nurse and it was my first time living on my own. I managed to rent a tiny flat in Finchley. It came with a window box, a stray cat that hung around mewing for food, plus a n

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

AMELIA arrives home from her half-day at work. She has the week’s shopping and quickly squirrels everything away, leaving just her children’s magazines on the kitchen table. Seeing she only has three-

I know you get many letters, but I have to add my thanks for great stories and information. I love looking at who had done the illustrations. My favourite is Ged Fay – I can usually pick out the ones

Dear Simon, Once again, the December 2025 issue had lots of memories to write about. Starting from the front, Gertcha! – I did love Chas and Dave, as did my husband. Of course, the family always watch