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In a nuanced stand-alone sequel, the Irish novelist revisits the lovers from her second book – and finds two lives even more complicated, messy and human than before

Anchored by drumbeats, the Soul soared skywards in James MacMillan’s timeless choral allegory, exquisitely sung

Exclusive: Christ Church college taken aback to receive hundreds of the author’s letters, photos and rare items

In the Yorkshire author’s first memoir, she recounts in tender, sometimes showy prose her difficult relationship with her complex mother and brushes with danger in her thrill-seeking years

Greek-French director Costa-Gavras's latest film is set in a hospital's palliative care unit. And while death is ever present, Le Dernier Souffle ("The Last Breath") is above all an ode to life – and to the medical professionals who stay alongside their patients until the very end.

A restless modern male and his long-suffering girlfriend come of age against the historic events of the 21st century in the American writer’s witty second novel

The annual competition to discover outstanding new critical writing on the arts is open for submissions until 28 February

A stirring account of the queer first king of Britain; a vivid tale of life in second world war France; and an innovative family memoir about Jewish emigration to Texas

Language can ‘open eyes’, Salman Rushdie wrote, yet still ideas of profanity are being used to silence dissenting voices

Mark Cohen’s evocative shot of a child with some bubble gum machines is part of a series capturing the vibrant characters and street life of the Big Apple

The Wheel of Time doesn't half move fast