Ladies who lunch

This month’s story, ‘Futures’ by Han Ong, is set in the world of tennis. It invites us to look, not just at the game, but at the darker side of being part of that world. As always, you will get the mo

Muriel Spark’s irrepressible creative drive

I t takes all sorts. Some readers, for ...

BOHEMIANS A BLOOMSBURY INGÉNUE The lives ...

TENDERLY, Violet touched her frail mother’s cheek. Ruby gazed wide-eyed at her daughter. Eventually, shocked and disbelieving, she spoke, her voice a feeble whisper. “Violet, I’m begging you. Don’t go

HOW quickly Sylvia’s life had changed! At New Year, she’d wished that the next 12 months would mean better health for her grandmother, a new washing machine for her mother and, if at all possible, a p