Agatha Christie’s secret worlds
After her infamous 11-day disappearance in 1926, the author retreated from public view. Lucy Worsley’s new biography claims to solve…
ByBook reviews
Read all the latest book reviews from the New Statesman and discover the best novels, non-fiction, essays and biographies. If you’re looking for something more specific, explore our sections dedicated to politics books and history books.
Reviewed in short: New books by Jayne Buxton, Edward Enninful, Simon Heffer and Emma Donoghue
The Great Plant-Based Con by Buxton, A Visible Man by Enninful, Henry “Chips” Channon: The Diaries (Volume 3) edited by…
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Donna Tartt’s The Secret History at 30
How a bestselling debut novel about a group of murderous students became a cult classic.
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The lessons of Corbynism
In their new books, Andrew Murray and James Schneider ask what the left can learn from its time in control…
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JK Rowling’s The Ink Black Heart is confusing, insular and far too long
The latest Cormoran Strike novel from “Robert Galbraith” weighs 1.25 kilograms – making it heavier than a bag of sugar…
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Blue Labour: A rallying cry for a return to inclusive politics
Maurice Glasman’s book is an urgent reminder that statecraft is not about immediate victories but securing well-being for all.
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Ian McEwan and the mess of living
His new novel Lessons is alert to human texture and complexity – and it’s his best in 20 years.
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The Last Colony exposes a deep injustice at the heart of the British state
Fifty years ago the UK forcibly removed the inhabitants of the Chagos Islands. Will they ever be allowed to return?
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Reviewed in short: New books from Steve Brusatte, Selby Wynn Schwartz, Katy Hessel and Seán Hewitt
The Rise and Reign of the Mammals by Brusatte, After Sappho by Schwartz, The Story of Art Without Men by…
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What is to be done about money?
A new economic history examines how and why money has always been inextricably linked to politics and power.
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From spy to journalist to celebrated poet: the curious life of Basil Bunting
The letters of the Northumbrian modernist reveal an idiosyncratic career and an exacting critical mind.
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Reviewed in short: New books by Guy Standing, Stu Hennigan, Jessica Andrews and Don Paterson
The Blue Commons by Standing, Ghost Signs by Hennigan, Milk Teeth by Andrews and The Arctic by Paterson.
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Rebecca May Johnson’s Small Fires is a radical analysis of cooking
This lively, conversational book insists that following a recipe can be a creative process.
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Mohsin Hamid: “After 9/11, I was treated as a potential terrorist”
The Booker-shortlisted author on race, America and his new novel, The Last White Man.
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The 15 best books for summer
The New Statesman’s selection of essential recent releases.
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Why Gone with the Wind is American culture’s original sin
Sarah Churchwell’s book is a 458-page indictment of the Civil War-era romance. Frankly, should we give a damn?
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Reviewed in short: New books from Geoff Mulgan, CJ Hauser, Matt Rowland Hill and Hans Fallada
Another World Is Possible by Mulgan, The Crane Wife by Hauser, Original Sins by Rowland Hill and Lilly and Her…
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When women were warriors: the forgotten female leaders of the Middle Ages
In Femina, Janina Ramirez tells the stories of women previously written out of history books.
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Who wants to be “normal”?
Often what we consider “normal” is, statistically speaking, abnormal. And wouldn’t most of us prefer to be extraordinary anyway?
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Raymond Briggs’ genius was his understanding of loss
The writer and illustrator has died aged 88. From The Snowman to When the Wind Blows, his work was sensitive…
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