With a background in caretaking, education, and counseling, author Lynne Reeves has spent years observing the lives of those around her and how they are impacted socially and culturally. Here, she discusses why (and how) she writes issue-driven fiction.
, longlisted for the International Booker, has a disabled child at its centre and squares up to dangerous subjects. It is a heartening novel, because though it asks the reader to think hard, it puts its faith in simplicity and love. Neurologist Suzanne OâSullivan offers
The Sleeping Beauties: And Other Stories of Mystery Illness to put you wise about Havana syndrome and other puzzles: itâs not cheerful, but it is current and it is bracing.
David Nicholls
Something new: I very much enjoyed Meg Masonâs witty, affecting
Sorrow and Bliss. Something old: I love John Cheeverâs stories and am curious to know which have made it into Julian Barnesâs new selection,