Author’s egotistical diversions can be forgiven for this intriguing inquiry in to the painter

A sneak preview of Saturday’s books pages

The New York Times columnist can aggravate diehard liberals but his latest book merits a fair hearing

Our middle years have had a makeover thanks to some excellent recent literature

Our possessions are revealing, especially when it comes to our fantasies about ourselves – and they invariably reveal more than we intend

The Scottish capital is known for its castle and festivals but the quieter corners are alive year round

A devastating French debut, a controversial Norwegian saga ... the best new euronovels

Some recent books have taken a novel approach, their perspectives on the game being altogether different from those which most often define it

The neurosurgeon and author works with his mentee, Dr Igor Kurilets, in Kiev

Take in stunning views at the waterfront; the Mission’s feisty character and Golden Gate Park

Review: In charting a life of losses, this novel has much to say about the struggle to make sense of existence

This week, to mark the end of our How to Write a Book series, we have a daily Q&A with a debut author

‘I wanted to do a Masters degree in Irish literature but I ended up getting pregnant instead’

Colombian writer takes the €100,000 prize for The Sound of Things Falling