Articles written by Elizabeth Gregory
All 148 articles written by Elizabeth Gregory
Review of Jill Dawson's The Great Lover: The Life and Loves of War Poet Rupert Brookes
Category: Modern British Fiction
Jill Dawson's inventive new novel imagines a fictional event in the life of English war poet Rupert Brooke - a relationship with a humble but spirited serving girl. more...
Chorizo and Red Wine Risotto: Easy One-Pot Dinner
Category: Dinner Recipes
This delicious risotto is quick, easy and very substantial - perfect for a warming winter supper. more...
Easy Turkey and Potato Pie: Healthy Low-Fat Version of Shepherds Pie
Category: Dinner Recipes
This is an easy and healthy version of an old favourite, using low-fat turkey mince and adding extra vegetables for additional fibre. more...
The Novels of Agatha Christie: Queen of Crime and Creator of Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
A profile of the world's best-selling writer, whose novels have now sold around 4 billion copies. more...
Category: Modern British Fiction
Louis de Bernieres' new book is an entertaining collection of short stories subtitled "Stories from an English Village", and features an engaging selection of eccentrics. more...
Samuel Johnson's English Dictionary: The Book That Imposed Order on the English Language in 1755
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
Today marks the tricentenary of the birth of Dr Samuel Johnson, the author of the first major English dictionary. more...
Category: Modern British Fiction
La Plante's second thriller featuring Detective Inspector Anna Travis tells the gruesome story of a copycat killer, re-enacting a series of murders from the 1940s. more...
Review of Ian Rankin's Doors Open: New Crime Novel From the Creator of Inspector Rebus
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
Ian Rankin has followed up his phenomenally successful Rebus novels with the entertaining story of an art heist in Edinburgh that goes very wrong indeed. more...
Review of C J Sansom's Dark Fire: The Race to Recreate Deadly Greek Fire
Category: Modern British Fiction
The second novel in Sansom's series set in Tudor England featuring hunchback lawyer Matthew Shardlake is a tightly plotted and violent thriller. more...
Review of CJ Sansom's Dissolution: Murder in Tudor England During the Time of the Reformation
Category: Modern British Fiction
The first novel in Sansom's phenomenally successful series sees Matthew Shardlake sent to investigate a brutal murder at a corrupt monastery. more...
Review of Martina Cole's The Ladykiller: Gripping Crime Novel From the Author of The Take
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
Martina Cole's second novel is a terrifying insight into the mind of a man who believes that violence against women is not only acceptable but necessary. more...
Easy Smoked Mackerel Pate: Quick and Simple Dinner Party Starter
Category: Dinner Recipes
Now that summer's here, this light and delicious pate makes a change from heavier meat versions, and is better for you too. more...
Sausage & Tomato Casserole with Root Vegetables: Easy One-Pot Stew
Category: Dinner Recipes
This really couldn't be easier to make, and tastes delicious. Be warned - the beetroot makes for an amazing dark pink sauce! more...
Book Review – Martina Cole's The Take: Gritty Gangland Novel Featuring Freddie and Jimmy Jackson
Category: Modern British Fiction
With Sky 1's glossy adaptation of The Take currently showing, now is a great time to revisit the original novel behind the TV series. more...
CWA Dagger Awards 2009: Crime Writers' Association Shortlist Announced
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
The nominations for the CWA Dagger in the Library Award 2009 have been revealed. more...
Review of Kate Mosse's Sepulchre: Best-Selling Follow Up to Labyrinth
Category: Modern British Fiction
Kate Mosse's most recent novel is a thrilling tale of murder, ghosts, and ill-fated love in nineteenth-century France. more...
Pan-Fried Fish with Spicy Tomato and Onion Jam: Healthy, Low-Fat Fish Dish
Category: Dinner Recipes
This is simple and delicious, with the chilli relish adding a real kick to a plain piece of cod or haddock. more...
Revision Guide to Wuthering Heights: How to Study Emily Bronte's Tale of Cathy and Heathcliff
Category: 18th & 19th Century British Fiction
Got an exam coming up on Wuthering Heights and not sure where to start? This step-by-step revision guide will give you all the essentials for passing that test. more...
Review of The Rose Labyrinth by Titania Hardie: Historical Puzzler for Fans of The Da Vinci Code
Category: Modern British Fiction
Hardie, best known for appearances on This Morning with Richard & Judy, has published her first novel, a cleverly plotted thriller which uncovers the secrets of the past. more...
The Orange Prize for Fiction 2009: The UK's Only Award for Fiction Written By Women
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
Full details of the most coveted literary prize for women, including the longlist for 2009, the judges and the history of the award itself. more...
Category: Modern British Fiction
Mark Billingham's first novel without his fictional DI Tom Thorne is a chilling thriller with a great twist at the end. more...
Pork, Mustard and Cream Casserole: Delicious One-Pot Stew
Category: Dinner Recipes
Pork, mustard and cream is a classic combination, and this tasty dish couldn't be easier to prepare. more...
Pork and Chorizo Stew with Root Vegetables: Easy One-Pot Casserole
Category: Dinner Recipes
A delicious and nutritious winter casserole which makes the most of the natural sweetness of root vegetables such as turnips and carrots. more...
Banana, Honey and Raisin Muffins: Healthier Tea-Time Treat
Category: Breads & Muffins
These muffins are not only delicious, they are far healthier than shop-bought cakes, and very simple to make. more...
Chorizo and Chickpea Stew: Easy One-Pot Casserole
Category: Dinner Recipes
Ideal for casual entertaining, this one-pot recipe is perfect for feeding friends on a cold winter evening. more...
Review of Charles Elton's Mr Toppit: The Legacy of The Hayseed Chronicles
Category: Modern British Fiction
Charles Elton's darkly comic debut novel looks at the way a family copes with the success of a series of children's books based around their own lives. more...
Lime and Paprika Roast Chicken with Leeks: One Pot Sunday Roast
Category: Dinner Recipes
This delicious recipe livens up a plain roast chicken and makes the most of plentiful winter leeks. more...
Spicy Carrot and Parsnip Soup Recipe: A Delicious Low-Fat Winter Warmer
Category: Low Fat Cooking
Comfort food needn't be fattening - this delicious soup is very healthy and incredibly simple to make. Suitable for vegetarians. more...
Book Review: Toni Jordan's Addition: A Comedy that Counts
Category: Australian Literature
Toni Jordan's novel about a woman who needs to count everything in her life has been a huge success in the UK - but is it any good? more...
Gothic in Bronte's Wuthering Heights: Mystery and Supernatural in Bronte's Great Romance
Category: 18th & 19th Century British Fiction
Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights is one of the best-loved novels of all time. Yet the novel was controversial in its day for its use of threatening Gothic elements. more...
How to Make Spaghetti Bolognaise: A Quick and Easy Version of the Italian Pasta Classic
Category: Italian Pasta
An authentic Italian Bolognese sauce contains very few ingredients and needs hours of cooking time - this version is quick and easy and includes added vegetables. more...
Review: Jodi Picoult, My Sister's Keeper: What Would You do to Save Your Sister?
Category: Modern American Fiction
Jodi Picoult's eleventh novel follows the story of Anna, a girl who decides to sue her parents for medical emancipation. more...
How To Study A Poem: Six Easy Ways To Understand Poetry
Category: Poetry (general)
Whether you are reading a poem for pleasure, or simply trying to pass an exam, these helpful hints should allow you to get to grips with what the poet is trying to say. more...
How To Cook at Christmas: Tips for Surviving in the Kitchen over the Festive Period
Category: Winter Recipes
Dreading the arrival of the family this Christmas? These light-hearted tips should make sure the big day is a celebration rather than something to endure! more...
Book Review: Jodi Picoult, Nineteen Minutes: High School Shootings in Picoult’s Fourteenth Novel
Category: Modern American Fiction
Can anything justify cold-blooded murder? Picoult's brave novel looks at the motivations behind a high school shooting. more...
Butternut Squash and Bacon Risotto: Spicy Fall Recipe With Winter Vegetables and Rice
Category: Fall Recipes
An easy one pan risotto, ideal for making the most of the beautiful butternut squash available in Autumn. more...
Review: Michael Cox, The Glass of Time: Mystery and Melodrama in Victorian England
Category: Modern British Fiction
Michael Cox's second novel is a worthy sequel to the murderous events of his first, The Meaning of Night. more...
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
Peter Ackroyd's excellent new novel re-examines the story of Frankenstein and his monstrous creation. more...
The Enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie: Previous Winner Rushdie Makes Booker Longlist
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
Salman Rushdie's tenth novel tells of a mysterious stranger, who arrives at the palace of Mughal emperor Akbar with quite a story to tell. more...
Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith: Debut Novel Makes Booker Longlist
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
A review of Tom Rob Smith's first novel, longlisted for the 2008 Booker Prize and set to become a film directed by Ridley Scott. more...
Campaign Against Age Banding: No to Age Guides on Children’s Books
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
As the campaign against age banding for children's books gains support from JK Rowling, this article looks at both sides of the story. more...
Booker Prize for Fiction 2008: Man Booker Longlist is Announced
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
Just weeks after Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children was announced as the Best of Booker, the judges have revealed the 13 novels in the race for this year's Booker. more...
Richard and Judy Summer Read 2008: Book Club Choices for Summer Include The Outcast and Down River
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
A list of this summer's Richard and Judy Book Club recommended titles and a brief summary of each novel. more...
Charles Nicholl: The Lodger: Shakespeare on Silver Street
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
A review of Charles Nicholl's fascinating new book, which focuses on a hitherto neglected incident in Shakespeare's enigmatic life. more...
Characters in Wuthering Heights: Who’s Who in Bronte’s Novel
Category: 18th & 19th Century British Fiction
An alphabetical listing of all major characters in Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights and the role they play in the novel. more...
Haworth: Visit Bronte Country: Home of Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte
Category: 18th & 19th Century British Fiction
The small village of Haworth in Yorkshire continues to attract thousands of visitors every year to see the parsonage where the Bronte family lived. more...
Sebastian Faulks Bibliography: Author of Birdsong and Engleby
Category: Modern British Fiction
Over the last fifteen years Sebastian Faulks has established himself as one of the most accomplished and successful authors in the UK. more...
Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist: The Parish Boy's Progress
Category: 18th & 19th Century British Fiction
As the BBC launches a new competition to find Nancy and Oliver for Andrew Lloyd Webber's stage show, now is a great time to revisit Charles Dickens' classic novel. more...
Easy Coq au Vin Recipe: A Simple Version of this Classic French Dish
Category: French Cuisine (general)
This time-saving version retains all the classic flavours of chicken, garlic, bacon and wine, but is cooked on top the stove to save on cooking time. more...
Lee Child Biography & Bibliography: Author of the Jack Reacher Thrillers
Category: Modern British Fiction
Since the publication of his debut novel in 1997, Lee Child has won popular and critical acclaim for his American thrillers - yet he is a British writer. more...
Valentine’s Day Recipe Ideas: What to Feed Your Loved One this Feb 14th
Category: Recipes (general)
Valentine's Day is with us once more. Forget the crass commercialism and cook something for your other half that shows you really care. more...
Pork and Paprika Casserole: A Tasty One Pot Stew
Category: Dinner Recipes
This is very easy to make and perfect for entertaining as it will happily stay in the oven as long as you need it, and is useful for using up leftover winter vegetables. more...
Jane Austen: Sense and Sensibility: Debut Novel by Author of Pride and Prejudice
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
Austen's Sense and Sensibility is enjoying a new wave of popularity after Andrew Davies' recent BBC adaptation. more...
Maggie O'Farrell Biography: Author of 4 Novels Including The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox
Category: Modern British Fiction
Maggie O'Farrell is widely acknowledged as one of the most talented writers in the UK, having already produced four critically and popularly acclaimed novels. more...
Jane Eyre at Ferndean: A Happy Ending for Bronte’s Heroine
Category: 18th & 19th Century British Fiction
The fifth and final location in Jane Eyre is Rochester's forest house Ferndean. Here Jane is reunited with her great love and finally allowed to live happily ever after. more...
Robert Frost: The Most of It: Making the Most of Life
Category: American Poetry
This short poem tells of a lonely man seeking human contact, and his fleeting encounter with a buck who just couldn't care less. more...
Jane Austen Biography: A Profile of the Nineteenth Century Novelist
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
Although she died almost two hundred years ago, the work of this British writer continues to have a huge influence on modern literary and popular culture. more...
Turkey and Ham Risotto Recipe: A Great Way to Use up Christmas Leftovers
Category: Recipes (general)
This is a very flexible recipe that can be adapted to use up whatever you happen to have left over from your Christmas Dinner. more...
James Morrow: The Last Witchfinder: A Thought-provoking Read for Lovers of Historical Fiction
Category: Modern American Fiction
Looking for something a bit different to read over the holidays? Try this challenging but rewarding story of one woman's battle to scrap the Parliamentary Witchcraft Act. more...
Jane Harris: The Observations: Debut Novelist is One to Watch
Category: Modern British Fiction
When Jane Harris' novel appeared in paperback earlier in 2007, it caused quite a stir, and with good reason: she has produced one of the most enjoyable books of the year. more...
Dickens: A Christmas Carol: Classic Ghost Story
Category: 18th & 19th Century British Fiction
Charles Dickens' famous tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his chilling encounters with the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. more...
Jane Eyre at Gateshead: The Importance of Jane's Childhood at Aunt Reed's.
Category: 18th & 19th Century British Fiction
Jane Eyre is a Bildungsroman in which Bronte uses different settings to represent the different stages of Jane's life: the first of these is Gateshead. more...
Elizabeth Gaskell: Cranford: The Forgotten Victorian Novelist
Category: 18th & 19th Century British Fiction
Gaskell has long been overshadowed by other Victorian novelists, but with a new BBC production of Cranford currently on screen, now is the time to revisit her novels. more...
Mr Rochester: Byronic Hero: A closer look at Jane Eyre’s true love
Category: 18th & 19th Century British Fiction
Charlotte Bronte was a great admirer of the work of Lord Byron, and nowhere is this more obvious than in the character of Edward Rochester. more...
Ian McEwan’s Atonement: Is this the Booker Winner’s Finest Book?
Category: Modern British Fiction
With the new film version of Atonement starring Keira Knightley hotly tipped for Oscar glory at next year's awards, now is a great time to read this classic novel. more...
One-Pot Beef Casserole: An Easy and Satisfying Winter Stew
Category: Winter Recipes
This is a perfect dinner for winter, particularly if you are entertaining - despite its long cooking time this is incredibly easy and requires very little effort! more...
Robert Frost’s Birches: An Ice-storm Brings Back Childhood Memories
Category: Poetry (general)
Birches is one of Robert Frost's best-loved poems. It shares a theme of childhood with "Out, Out-", although the two poems present this central idea in very different way more...
Booker Winner Anne Enright: Bibliography of the Author and Review of The Gathering
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
When the result of the Man Booker Prize was announced on 16th October 2007, the winner came as a surprise to most. Who exactly is Enright, and is The Gathering any good? more...
Category: Shakespeare Tragedies
The Shakespearean tragedy focuses on romantic upheaval, misfortunes and downfall of the celebrated English playwright's major male characters. more...
Spicy Pumpkin Soup Recipe: Perfect for a Halloween or Bonfire Party
Category: Fall Recipes
A thick, comforting soup to keep the shivers at bay. It would be great for a Halloween party as you can make a scary face from the hollowed out pumpkin afterwards. more...
Robert Frost’s Putting in the Seed: Or – Love in the Vegetable Patch
Category: Poetry (general)
Students of Robert Frost's poetry will be familiar with the poet expressing a love of nature and its beauty. The love in this poem is of a more physical kind... more...
Robert Frost's Stopping by Woods: The Temptation of Freedom from Responsibility
Category: Poetry (general)
How many of us have occasionally wanted to get away from it all for a while? Put our responsibilities to one side and just think about ourselves? more...
Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken: The Question of Fate versus Free Will
Category: Poetry (general)
Getting to grips with Robert Frost's most ambiguous poem. more...
Baked Butternut Squash Recipe: With Melted Cheese Centres
Category: Fall Recipes
This is a wonderful way to make the most of those beautiful butternut squash and is a sure-fire way to get reluctant children/husbands to eat their vegetables! more...
Red Lentil and Cauliflower Dahl: Healthy and Filling Vegetarian Dish
Category: Indian Food
This twist on a traditional Indian dish is very easy to make, and is full of healthy ingredients. more...
Review of Val McDermid's Fever of the Bone: Sixth Crime Novel Featuring Tony Hill and Carol Jordan
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
Val McDermid's latest thriller sees DCI Carol Jordan investigating a string of brutal murders - but this time she must do it without the help of profiler Tony Hill. more...
Review of C J Sansom's Revelation: Fourth Novel Featuring Medieval Lawyer Matthew Shardlake
Category: Modern British Fiction
C J Sansom's latest adventure set in the time of Henry VIII sees Matthew Shardlake face his most dangerous enemy yet. more...
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
Penguin are set to launch Eoin Colfer's official Hitchhiker's sequel on October 12th 2009, continuing Douglas Adams' cult series. more...
Onion Pancakes With Smoked Salmon & Horseradish: Quick and Easy Starter or Light Supper
Category: Dinner Recipes
These mini pancakes are so useful - much quicker and easier to make than blinis, and delicious served with smoked salmon or mackerel as a dinner party starter. more...
Man Booker Shortlist 2009: Prestigious Literary Prize List is Announced
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
The Man Booker Prize for Fiction is one of the biggest awards in the literary world - who is in the running for this year's title? more...
Smoked Fish and Tomato Stew: Perfect One-Pot Dish Using Smoked Cod and Seasonal Vegetables
Category: Dinner Recipes
A very useful fish casserole - low in fat, full of flavour and very quick to make. more...
Review of C J Sansom's Sovereign: Murder in York as Henry VIII Makes His Progress to the North
Category: Modern British Fiction
Sansom's third novel set in Tudor England sees lawyer Matthew Shardlake caught up in a web of deadly secrets and conspiracies that could bring down King Henry the Eighth. more...
Easy Prawn or Chicken Fajitas: Quick to Prepare, Low-Fat and Nutritious Main Course
Category: Dinner Recipes
Fajitas - spicy vegetables with meat or fish wrapped up in soft flour tortillas - make for a quick and easy dinner, and are great fun to eat. more...
Review of Jonathan Bate's Soul of the Age: The Life and Times of William Shakespeare
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
Bate's new book is an engaging study of William Shakespeare and the age in which he lived, capturing the turbulence of the times as well as the brilliance of his subject. more...
Book Review of Missy by Chris Hannan: Debut Novel by Award-Winning Playwright
Category: Modern British Fiction
Hannan's first novel is an irresistible journey through the opium-addled streets of the nineteenth century American West, seen through the eyes of a witty flash-girl. more...
Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival 2009: Theakstons-Sponsored Event in Harrogate, 23rd - 26th July
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
This year's Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Festival looks set to be better than ever, with readings from Mark Billingham, Lee Childe, Val McDermid and George Pelecanos. more...
Category: Modern British Fiction
Adam Fould, himself an award-winning poet, has produced a stunning interpretation of poet John Clare's struggle with madness. more...
Category: Modern British Fiction
Stephen Booth has quietly established himself as one of Britain's leading crime writers, winning prestigious awards and building a loyal following of discerning readers. more...
Pasta with Chorizo, Tomatoes and Eggplant: A Cheap and Easy Summer Dish
Category: Dinner Recipes
This dish is easy to make and very nutritious, making the most of summer vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini and peppers. more...
Category: Mystery/Crime Fiction (general)
The latest crime investigation for Dr Kay Scarpetta takes her to New York City, and her first meeting with Pete Marino since his drunken attack on her. more...
Review of Sophie Hannah's Hurting Distance: Chilling Thriller by the Author of Little Face
Category: Modern British Fiction
Award-winning poet Sophie Hannah's second psychological thriller is an engrossing page-turner in which a violent death unlocks the secrets of the past. more...
Review of Philip Hensher's The Northern Clemency: The Tale of Two Families in 1970s Sheffield
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
Philip Hensher's seventh novel was shortlisted for the 2008 Man Booker Prize and received almost unanimous praise from the critics. more...
Haddock with Chilli, Lime and Ginger: Healthy Foil-Baked Spicy Fish Dish
Category: Dinner Recipes
This dish is simply delicious, and very good for you as it is low in fat and packed full of healthy ingredients. more...
Easy Spicy Chicken Satay: Lower Fat Version of the Chinese Classic
Category: Chinese Food
This simplified version of the classic peanut sauce is incredibly easy to make, and much better for you than the bought version - you'll never order takeaway again! more...
Thomas Hardy – The Time-Torn Man: The Extraordinary Story of the Author of Tess and Jude
Category: Biographies/Memoirs (general)
A review of Claire Tomalin's biography of Thomas Hardy, which sympathetically documents the long and sometimes controversial life of this great writer. more...
The Locations of Wuthering Heights: Emily Bronte's Use of Setting in Wuthering Heights
Category: 18th & 19th Century British Fiction
A discussion of the three main locations used by Bronte in Wuthering Heights, including key events, characters and imagery. more...
Review of Justine Picardie's Daphne: Du Maurier’s Fascination With the Brontes
Category: Modern British Fiction
Justine Picardie's novel, now out in paperback, tells the tale of Daphne du Maurier's quest to uncover the truth about Branwell Bronte's life. more...
Review of John Harvey's Cold in Hand: A New Case for DI Charlie Resnick
Category: Modern British Fiction
Charlie Resnick tackles his most difficult case yet in John Harvey's devastating new novel. more...
Review of Andrew Taylor's Bleeding Heart Square: Atmospheric Thriller Set in Georgian London
Category: Modern British Fiction
When Lydia Langstone leaves her violent and adulterous husband, she finds herself caught up in investigating the mysterious disappearance of a lady four years previously. more...
Review of Jodi Picoult's Salem Falls: A Modern Witch Hunt With a Difference
Category: Modern American Fiction
Jodi Picoult's clever novel updates Arthur Miller's classic play The Crucible - only this time, the witches are the ones doing the hunting. more...
Kate Summerscale's Suspicions of Mr Whicher: The Murder at Road Hill House
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
Kate Summerscale's enthralling account of a real-life murder in Victorian Britain has been named as one of Richard & Judy's Book Club choices 2009. more...
Creamy Pasta with Chicken and Mushrooms: With a Light Creme Fraiche and White Wine Sauce
Category: Dinner Recipes
A quick and easy meal which is low in fat and takes less than twenty minutes to cook. more...
Roast Chicken with Rosemary: Quick and Easy Roast Dinner for Four
Category: Dinner Recipes
Rosemary may be associated with lamb, but it also goes beautifully with chicken. This recipe is incredibly simple but tastes delicious. more...
Book Review: Christian Bok's Eunoia: Univocalic Wordplay From 2002 Griffin Poetry Prize Winner
Category: Modern Canadian Fiction
Christian Bok's clever book, which uses just one vowel in each chapter, has finally been published in the UK. more...
Book Review: David Lodge, Deaf Sentence: New Novel by Writer of Author, Author and Nice Work
Category: Modern British Fiction
David Lodge's witty new novel explores the misunderstandings that can occur when your hearing is far from perfect.... more...
How to Study a Novel: Looking at Plot, Characterisation and Narrative Style
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
Not sure what to look for when reading a novel? These suggestions will help you to get the most out of any book. more...
Book Review: Emma Darwin, A Secret Alchemy: Second Novel for Author of The Mathematics of Love
Category: Modern British Fiction
Emma Darwin's ambitious new novel is set during the War of the Roses, and retells the famous story of the Princes in the Tower. more...
How To Understand a Shakespeare Play: Five Easy Steps to Success with Studying Shakespeare!
Category: Shakespearean Theatre (general)
Struggling to get to grips with the Bard? Don't worry, you are not alone - try the following fool-proof tips for understanding Shakespeare. more...
Book Review: McDermid's A Darker Domain: Murder and Kidnap During the Miner’s Strike
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
Val McDermid's new novel jumps between the past and the present, as Detective Inspector Karen Pirie investigates a case that is far from cold. more...
Party Food for Halloween: Easy Menu for All Hallows Eve
Category: Fall Recipes
Having a party this Halloween? This easy menu is quick and easy, and can be mostly pre-prepared in advance of your guests' arrival. more...
Review: David Gaffney's Never Never: Debut Novel by Acclaimed Short Story Writer
Category: Modern British Fiction
David Gaffney's debut novel is a darkly comic tale of debt, caravans, and adversaries dressed as giant lemons... more...
Book Review: Girl in a Blue Dress: Gaynor Arnold’s Debut is Booker Long-listed
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
How does it feel to be the wronged wife of a national treasure? Gaynor Arnold gives a voice to Mrs Charles Dickens in this enjoyable novel. more...
Aravind Adiga: The White Tiger: Brilliant Debut Longlisted for Booker 2008
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
Aravind Adiga's witty debut novel shows us the real India, through the eyes of entrepreneur and murderer, Balram Halwai. more...
James Bond Novel: Devil May Care: Sebastian Faulks Writes as Ian Fleming
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
Great anticipation accompanied last summer's announcement that respected author Faulks was to pen the new James Bond novel. But is it any good? more...
The Journal of Dora Damage: Sex, Violence and Book-Binding in Victorian London
Category: Modern British Fiction
Belinda's Starling's witty tale, newly released in paperback, is a "Vic-Lit" novel in the style of Sarah Waters, Michael Faber and Jane Harris. more...
The Tales of Beedle the Bard: New Stories from JK Rowling
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
The author of the Harry Potter series has revealed that a new volume of short stories, including a "commentary" from Professor Dumbledore, will be available from Dec 08. more...
Scarlett Thomas: The End of Mr Y: Recommended Summer Reading
Category: Modern British Fiction
Looking for something a little darker than your average summer blockbuster? Thomas' gripping novel could be just the thing. more...
Wuthering Heights: Nelly Dean: How Reliable is Nelly’s Narration?
Category: 18th & 19th Century British Fiction
Emily Bronte chose Nelly Dean as the main narrator of her novel Wuthering Heights. How far can we trust her version of events? more...
Bronte's Wuthering Heights: Context and Plot Summary
Category: 18th & 19th Century British Fiction
The first in a series looking at Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights: this article looks at the context of the novel's publication and provides an overview of the plot. more...
Sebastian Faulks' Engleby: Murder at Cambridge in the 1970s
Category: Modern British Fiction
After mixed reviews of his medical novel Human Traces, Sebastian Faulks is back on form with Engleby, recently released in paperback. more...
Crime Writer Simon Kernick: Author of Relentless, Severed and Deadline
Category: Modern British Fiction
With his seventh book due to be released in paperback in the UK this summer, Kernick has become one of the most successful of the current crop of British crime writers. more...
Salman Rushdie Biography: A Profile of the Author of Midnight’s Children
Category: Modern British Fiction
With Salman Rushdie back in the news as the bookies favourite for the 2008 "Best of Booker" Prize, now is the perfect time to find out more about this great novelist. more...
Easy Jambalaya Recipe: A Simple Version of a Classic Spicy Rice Dish
Category: Dinner Recipes
This is such a quick and easy dish to prepare, but combines the immense flavours of smoked bacon, chicken, chillies, and Cajun spices. more...
Creamy Garlic Mushrooms: An Easy Starter for a Dinner Party
Category: Recipes (general)
This delicious recipe takes only a few minutes to make, and combines the flavours of mushrooms, white wine, cream and garlic. more...
Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice: The Classic Romance of Lizzy Bennet and Mr Darcy
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
Pride and Prejudice was Austen's second published novel, and is perhaps her best-loved - certainly in the UK, thanks to Andrew Davies' BBC adaptation. more...
Easy Pancake Recipe: How to Make Pancakes and Some Ideas for Fillings
Category: Recipes (general)
Tuesday 5th February is Shrove Tuesday, a day when we traditionally eat pancakes in order to use up ingredients such as eggs before Lent. more...
The Shakespeare Secret: J.L.Carrell’s New Thriller Takes on the Da Vinci Code
Category: Modern American Fiction
Who exactly was William Shakespeare? And what became of his lost plays? This new novel blends fact and fiction in pursuit of the Bard. more...
Penne with Prawns and Chorizo: A Rich and Tasty Pasta Dish
Category: Dinner Recipes
This dish combines the classic flavours of prawns, chorizo, cream and tomato. more...
Chicken with Chickpeas & Chorizo: A Nutritious One-Pot Meal
Category: Dinner Recipes
This is easy to prepare, and the quantities can be altered to feed as many people as you need to. more...
Jane Eyre at Marsh End: The Fourth Section of Bronte’s Classic Novel
Category: 18th & 19th Century British Fiction
Jane's journey to and residence at Marsh End is the most criticised section of Jane Eyre, yet this part of the story is crucial to Jane's development as a character. more...
Ian McEwan: On Chesil Beach: A Polished Novella of Love and Frustration
Category: Modern British Fiction
McEwan's latest book received rapturous praise on its first publication in 2007. Now, with the paperback version available, even more readers can enjoy this superb novel. more...
Sarah Waters: The Night Watch: Latest Best-Seller from Author of Tipping the Velvet
Category: Modern British Fiction
With her latest novel, Waters proves that she can move away from the Victorian settings she has become known for, and with huge success. more...
Jennifer Donnelly: The Winter Rose: An Epic Tale of Crime and Passion
Category: Modern American Fiction
Donnelly's latest book is the second part of the trilogy begun with The Tea Rose, but can equally be read as a stand-alone novel. Does this long book merit your time? more...
Jane Eyre at Thornfield: Bronte's Heroine Finds Love with Mr Rochester
Category: 18th & 19th Century British Fiction
Jane's decision to leave Lowood in order to work at Thornfield is a key point in the novel, showing her new independence and introducing her to her true love. more...
Jane Eyre at Lowood: Harsh Realities at this School for Orphans
Category: 18th & 19th Century British Fiction
After enduring the cruel taunts of her cousins and the neglectful indifference of her Aunt Reed, Jane leaves Gateshead for school at the suggestion of Dr Lloyd. more...
Easy Mince Pie Recipe: A Simplified Version of the Christmas Favourite
Category: Winter Recipes
Using a food processor to make the pastry means that you can knock up a batch of these pies in just a few minutes. more...
Robert Frost: Hyla Brook: We Love the Things We Love for What They Are
Category: American Poetry
A beautiful poem in which Robert Frost expresses a deep love for Nature in all its forms. more...
Life of Charlotte Bronte: A Biography of this Classic Victorian Author
Category: 18th & 19th Century British Fiction
Charlotte Bronte is one of our best loved and widely read writers, and produced one of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century with Jane Eyre. more...
Gothic in Bronte's Jane Eyre: Mysterious and Supernatural Events in this Classic Victorian Novel
Category: 18th & 19th Century British Fiction
The first in a series of articles discussing aspects of Charlotte Bronte's most famous novel. more...
How to Cook the Perfect Turkey: A Stressfree Christmas or Thanksgiving!
Category: Winter Recipes
A step by step guide to avoiding a dry, over-cooked turkey. more...
Reading For Pleasure: Why the Novel is Still a Force to be Reckoned With
Category: British/UK Fiction (general)
The market for books in the UK continues to grow, suggesting that more people may be reading for pleasure than ever before. more...
Frost: After Apple-Picking: The Blurring of Dream and Reality
Category: Poetry (general)
A beautiful poem in which we see the effect of too many apples on the exhausted speaker as he drifts in and out of sleep. more...
Robert Frost’s "Out, Out – ": Life and Death in the Countryside
Category: Poetry (general)
This is one of Robert Frost's more shocking poems, dealing with the violent maiming and death of a young boy as he chops wood on the family farm. more...
Robert Frost’s Mending Wall: A Vision of a World Without Boundaries
Category: Poetry (general)
Do you like to keep yourself separate from others, needing your own space? Or do you feel we put too much distance between one another? Frost explores both views. more...
Frost’s Nothing Gold Can Stay: The Changing of the Seasons and the Beauty of Spring
Category: Poetry (general)
Most of us have our own favourite season, whether it be the golden leaves of autumn or the balmy evenings of summer. For Frost, the peak of the year seems to be spring. more...
Roast Chicken with Lemon Gravy: A Delicious One-Pot Warmer for Winter
Category: Dinner Recipes
This makes an interesting change from a plain roast dinner, with its tangy lemon gravy. It also saves on the washing-up, as everything is cooked together in one tray. more...
Ian Rankin's Exit Music: The End for Inspector Rebus?
Category: Detective Fiction
A review of the final book in Ian Rankin's series of Edinburgh-based crime novels featuring John Rebus. more...
Imagery in Frost's Dust of Snow: How a Poem Can Use Language to Create Pictures
Category: Poetry (general)
Robert Frost's Dust of Snow is only eight lines long and contains no adjectives, similes or metaphors, yet succeeds in creating a picture in the reader's mind: how? more...
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