The Chalk Garden review – Penelope Keith sparks a twee rebellion
Despite its pitch-perfect lead, this version of Enid Bagnold’s class comedy lacks the emotionally charged edginess that gives it bite
April 2018
Top 10s
Top 10 books about horses – Jane Smiley picks her favourites
Childhood classics, colourful racers and memoirs of horse whisperers … the novelist and horse lover gallops through the best riding reads
November 2014
Renée Asherson obituary
Versatile actor who combined grace with gravity in her many roles over 65 years
January 2014
Books blog
What Tess of the D'Urbervilles could learn from Strictly Come Dancing
Moira Redmond: I can't help thinking a bit of popular TV might have cheered up the lives of many a classic book character
April 2012
National Velvet by Enid Bagnold – rereading
As the Grand National approaches, Jane Smiley revisits Enid Bagnold's strange novel. She finds that she now appreciates this fairytale rooted in rain and mud more than she did as a girl
