MEMOIR MY PAST IS A FOREIGN COUNTRY by Zeba Talkhani (Sceptre £9.99, 200pp) Zeba Talkhani’s mother was preparing for one of her many extravagant dinner parties when her daughter heard a scream. ‘Mama’ had caught her hand in the blender. Blood spattered everywhere. She was taken to bed, where her body began to convulse. Zeba … Read more
AMAZON Mr Robot Rami Malek is now best known for his Oscar-winning performance as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody (he’s the next Bond villain too), but he first found fame via this Golden Globe-winning series, which concluded in December. Rami Malek is now best known for his Oscar-winning performance as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody, … Read more
Getting engaged, saying yes to the dress and to him, was a fantasy Grrrr!!! Gahhhaaahhha! David went to see the flat in Notting Hill that I was thinking of renting, but not with any good grace, viz: ‘I will view it for you, given you say I have no job.’ He sent some photos. ‘Is … Read more
Ian McEwan’s latest novel is set in 1982, but not that of historical record. Here, after a disastrous British defeat in the Falklands, Labour leader Tony Benn is demanding the resignation Mrs Thatcher.
Gimson’s Presidents: Brief Lives From Washington To Trump Andrew Gimson Square Peg £10.99 Rating: Moving into the White House, which had just been built in the middle of a rutted field, America’s second president, John Adams, prayed: ‘May none but Honest and Wise Men ever rule under This Roof.’ Alas, his wish was not granted. … Read more
Mindfulness isn’t the solution! It is yet another added pressure. Being mindful is the last thing we want to do We’re ‘the lucky generation’ – healthier, richer and more independent than at any time in history. So why can’t we sleep at night? Author Ada Calhoun has some surprising theories At first I thought it … Read more
MEMOIR ROOTBOUND: REWILDING A LIFE by Alice Vincent (Canongate, £14.99, 368pp) How do you mend a broken heart? The dumped often find solace in getting drunk, gorging on ice cream or stalking their ex on Facebook. For journalist Alice Vincent, salvation came in the form of a tiny balcony. When this memoir begins, she is … Read more
From Hilary Mantel’s cracking The Mirror & The Light to a funny debut by Michelle Gallen and Marina Lewycka’s latest, this week’s best new fiction By Hephzibah Anderson and Amber Pearson For Event Magazine and Eithne Farry For Event Magazine Published: 22:02 GMT, 29 February 2020 | Updated: 22:02 GMT, 29 February 2020 The Mirror … Read more
Apple & blackberry plait By Suzanne Mulholland Published: 00:03 GMT, 23 February 2020 | Updated: 00:03 GMT, 23 February 2020 This sweet plait is easy to make alongside the savoury version, as once you’ve got the hang of the technique you’ll be able to knock these up really quickly. This is delicious served with a … Read more
PICTURE THIS By Ciara Dossett For The Daily Mail Published: 22:00 GMT, 27 February 2020 | Updated: 10:10 GMT, 28 February 2020 My Town by David Gentleman (Particular Books £25, March 5, 288 pp) My Town by David Gentleman (Particular Books £25, March 5, 288 pp) Published just before his 90th birthday, this delightful book … Read more