Six months after paperback publication, One of Us continues to remain on both the VIntage and Richard and Judy bookclub bestseller lists. Vintage also continue to recommend the novel as one of its essential fiction reads. BBC Audio books have recently recorded a full, unabridged length CD of the novel – playing time 10 hours… Continue Reading

It might be too early to call, but the rather bold education white paper, published this week, looks like giving Labour a surprise lead in the political battle over public service reform. Only a week ago, the idea of a fresh vision from Labour on any policy area was being belittled by a largely cynical… Continue Reading

As the holidays approach, my attention is focussed on what music and books to take. My elder daughter has fervently promised to load all the music I could possibly desire onto my i-pod, in return for ‘borrowing’ it for the last couple of years, so that’s taken care of ( what a dream to simply… Continue Reading

Please come to a special event, Breaking Through the Silence, put on by the English PEN Writers in Prison Committee and JAM, an organisation set up to nurture, promote and perform new music in the UK, in support of imprisoned and persecuted writers throughout the world, but particularly highlighting the situation of Aung San Suu… Continue Reading

People often ask me what my old school, Holland Park comprehensive, was like and what it is like now. For the moment, I will direct people to Michele Hanson’s excellent article in The Guardian about the school in recent years. Enough said. I will be returning to this subject again, in this, Holland Park’s fiftieth… Continue Reading