Sarah Hall: 'Everyone wangs on about Anna Karenina – I’ve never been able to finish it'
The acclaimed author shares insights into her inspirations, including Michael Ondaatje, and how Hilary Mantel shifted her perspective on historical figure novels, a genre she once found challenging.
My Earliest Reading Memories
My formative years were certainly shaped by the captivating stories told around me. I vividly recall my village primary school headteacher spinning terrifying Cumbrian ghost tales for the class, an experience that undoubtedly left its mark. Alongside this, the melodic cadence of my mum’s rhymes, like “Oranges and lemons, say the bells of St Clement’s,” remains clear in my memory.
My dad was also a dedicated storyteller, repeatedly reading the ‘Ant and Bee’ books to me. He would make the long drive home from work over a high upland road, always arriving in time for our cherished bedtime stories. However, my very first independent reading memory, the one that truly stands out, is of ‘The Story of Ferdinand’ by Leaf and Lawson. I absolutely adored that gentle bull!
My Favourite Book Growing Up
As a young reader, I often found large books daunting; they sometimes gave me what I describe as “the whirlies.” It took some time for me to fully engage with and appreciate longer narratives.
Fresh materials — Society news
From Gary Lineker's Revenge to the Bizarre Tale of a Missing Cat: The Best Viral TV Moments of the World Cup
Beyond the thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes on the field, the World Cup has delivered a treasure trove of viral television moments. From a pranked England manager and a seemingly bored David Beckham to an impressive Viking-themed fan presence and a notable wager by Wayne Rooney, the world
World Cup Final: Trump, Half-Time Show, and the Spectacle Beyond the Game
As the World Cup final unfolded, the attention often strayed from the pitch to the surrounding spectacle. Before the coveted trophy ceremony, both Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino faced a chorus of boos, indicating a mixed reception from the crowd. The half-time show, a de
World Cup Final: Spectacle Over Sport
The White House has confirmed President Trump's attendance at the World Cup final. The event will also feature a star-studded half-time show headlined by Shakira, Madonna, and BTS. While the football match itself is a key event, the pre-game and half-time entertainment appears to be taking cent
‘Car-Bombed My House’: Podcast Tackles Illegal Bloodsports
The creators of the acclaimed podcast series "Buried" found themselves investigating a shocking incident: the discovery of approximately 20 mutilated animal carcasses, including rabbits, hares, pheasants, a fox, and a muntjac deer with its head removed, dumped outside a rural primary school in
Tricky's Honest Playlist: Music, Memories, and Unexpected Connections
Trip-hop icon Tricky reveals his candid thoughts on music and intimacy, admitting he doesn't believe in "getting jiggy" to songs. When it comes to karaoke, he'd opt for Cyndi Lauper, a surprising choice for the influential artist. Delving into the personal impact of music, Tricky shares a
Pompeii: Out of Time With Tom Hiddleston – The Story of Ordinary Romans' Hopeless Heroism
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79, a cataclysmic event that buried the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, is the subject of a compelling new documentary, "Pompeii: Out of Time With Tom Hiddleston." The National Geographic production, available on Disney+, sees the "Avengers" star te