A British actress' first novel reveals her comedic talent.

Nervous readers need not fear, Jason Webster's new Spanish detective, Max Camara of Valencia, hates bullfights.

Elizabeth Smither is an acclaimed New Plymouth-based poet, novelist and short story writer. She has recently released The Commonplace Book (AUP, $34.99), a collection of thoughts about writing and the writer's life.

On May 27, 1942, two Czech parachutists ambushed and wounded SS Obergruppenfuhrer Reinhard Heydrich near Prague. Heydrich was not seriously wounded but a ricochet bullet had carried cloth, wire and wool into the wound.

Not a picture book, not a graphic novel, not anything easily pigeon-holed, Chris Slane and Matt Elliott's study-cum-evocation of life in World War I is a great resource and a great read.

Anyone looking at New Zealand's military participation in the 20th century would see us as a bellicose little nation. For decades, we eagerly went where Britain (and later the US) went.

On First Looking into Chapman's Homer, by Michael Parekowhai, comprises a Steinway grand piano carved with Maori patterns, two blackened bronze pianos with bulls on top, a life-size sculpture of his brother as a security guard, and some bronze pot plants.

After winning one of international ballet's biggest awards, Pieter Symonds is being billed as New Zealand's answer to Margot Fonteyn. Bess Manson joins her for tea and biscuits in London.

A Steinway grand piano carved with Maori patterns is part of Michael Parekowhai's installation at this year's Venice Biennale.

David Larsen talks to Australian writer Margo Lanagan about Twitter and fantasy novels.

The small, superb story has become a talisman in the author's Italy. Since its publication there 15 years ago, it's won plaudits and prizes and been made into a Mastroianni film.

Michael Cunningham's Pulitzer Prize winning novel, The Hours, was in debt to both life and literature. His new novel, By Nightfall, also displays a strong allegiance to both.

It would be very easy in these economically grim times to write novels casting bankers in the harshest of lights - simple moustache-twisting pantomime villains.

Mixing reality and fantasy with little help given to the reader makes an odd book - but it's no lemon.

Charlotte Randall is a Christchurch-based author whose latest novel, Hokitika Town (Penguin, $30), is on the best-seller list.

Julie Orringer’s first book, a stunning short-story collection entitled How To Breathe Underwater, was a New York Times notable book.

It's not always easy to travel with children (or grandchildren) because their needs and interests are rather different.

Harlan Coben is a United States author of best-selling thrillers whose latest, Live Wire, ($39.99 RRP, Orion) was released last month.

When a serious academic turns her hand to fiction, the result is magic.

Back in the 1970s Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City columns captured the off-beat spirit of San Francisco. One of Maupin's leading characters was Mary Ann Singleton, a TV presenter.

American writer Patrick Rothfuss tells David Larsen why he avoids clichés in both life and literature.

This issue of the British literary journal is dedicated to Pakistan.

Contractors Bonding Ltd have stumped up $300,000 to fund the project, which will be on permanent loan to the stadium.