A few years ago, One Hand Clapping, a gem of a mag, asked me to write a poem for their Christmas issue. I soon regretted agreeing because I couldn’t think of anything to write. I don’t …

A few years ago, One Hand Clapping, a gem of a mag, asked me to write a poem for their Christmas issue. I soon regretted agreeing because I couldn’t think of anything to write. I don’t …

If you have ever had a hero, you might understand this story. I met mine one day in 2008. J M Coetzee became my hero when I was 22. My father had died the year before, and although he was ‘just’ a …

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In the great immigration panics of today, sympathy is focused on the home team. We are the ones who are being hurt. It...

If you have ever had a hero, you might understand this story. I met mine one day in 2008. J M Coetzee became my hero when I was 22. My father had died the year before, and although he was ‘just’ a …

If you have ever had a hero, you might understand this story. I met mine one day in 2008. J M Coetzee became my hero when I was 22. My father had died the year before, and although he was ‘just’ a …

If you have ever had a hero, you might understand this story. I met mine one day in 2008. J M Coetzee became my hero when I was 22. My father had died the year before, and although he was ‘just’ a …

Rubens, Medusa. Snakes leaving the sinking head. Having written a collection about Medea, I wanted to try another classical heroine. The reason for this wasn’t that clear to me, but one thing…

Rubens, Medusa. Snakes leaving the sinking head. Having written a collection about Medea, I wanted to try another classical heroine. The reason for this wasn’t that clear to me, but one thing…

Mangelwurzels are attracting new fans, inspiring a festival and sparking a Somerset craze.

This week I saw the new film Fall 2, about young women stuck up a sheer rockface in a storm. As a fan of climbing films, I was depressed that it was, probably, the worst film I’ve ever seen in the …

The British-American novelist and playwright who regularly appeared on current affairs shows will be remembered for her ‘warmth, humour and generosity’, says her husband

This week I saw the new film Fall 2, about young women stuck up a sheer rockface in a storm. As a fan of climbing films, I was depressed that it was, probably, the worst film I’ve ever seen in the …