Jessie Buckley on her starring role in the film Hamnet

"The Collected Stories of Lydia Davis" is a comprehensive compilation of the author's unique and innovative short fiction. Davis is celebrated for her minimalist style and precise observations. She transforms everyday moments into profound explorations of language and thought. Her stories range from a few sentences to several pages. The collection showcases her mastery of form and her ability to find meaning in the mundane. Davis's work challenges traditional narrative structures and invites readers to reconsider the possibilities of storytelling.

The novel is set in Warwickshire in the late 16th century and revolves around the life of Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare, and their children. It fictionalizes the events surrounding the death of their son Hamnet, who died of the plague in 1596 at the age of eleven. The story delves into the grief and emotional turmoil faced by the family, especially Agnes, and how this tragedy influenced Shakespeare's writing, including his play 'Hamlet'. The narrative alternates between different timelines, exploring Agnes's early life, her marriage, and the years following Hamnet's death. The book is a poignant study of motherhood, childhood, and the depths of grief, offering a vivid portrayal of family life during the Tudor period.

Woman in Mind is a play by Alan Ayckbourn, revolving around Susan, a housewife who escapes her unfulfilling life through vivid daydreams. After an accident in her garden, Susan's fantasies become increasingly elaborate and surreal, offering an escape from her dysfunctional family. Her imaginary world contrasts sharply with her real life, which includes a detached husband, a resentful sister-in-law, and a distant son. As the play progresses, the line between Susan's fantasy and reality blurs, leading to both comedic and tragic consequences. The play explores themes of mental health, the search for identity, and the disillusionment of suburban life.

Dora Bruder, by Patrick Modiano, is a haunting novel that traces the author's quest to uncover the life of a young Jewish girl who disappeared in Nazi-occupied Paris. Modiano weaves a narrative that combines historical research with personal reflection. He explores the themes of memory, loss, and the enduring impact of the Holocaust on the lives of individuals. Through his meticulous investigation and evocative prose, Modiano creates a poignant and unforgettable portrait of a young woman whose fate remains shrouded in mystery. The book highlights the power of literature to give voice to the forgotten and to bear witness to the atrocities of the past.