I said I wanted to read more and so far 2026 has delivered, although curiously my book diet has been dominated by men – British men at that – in a way it hasn’t been for years.

Parallel Lines, Edward St Aubyn. I expect every new St Aubyn to disappoint me, because he’s struggled to produce anything that matches the incandescent heart and humour of Patrick Melrose; but I loyally read each work as it comes out, just in case he ever does. This is the best attempt by far. Lost for Words had fabulous m...