ARTS & CULTURE
THE LITERARY ALMANAC BY FRANCESCA BEAUMAN Described as a ‘year of seasonal reading’, this collection of 300 book
recommendations – compiled by Francesca Beauman (daughter of Nicola Beauman, the founder of Persephone Books) – serves up recommended reads suited to all times of year. Beautifully designed, the almanac is ideal for filling gaps in your own literary awareness, or discovering something brand new, and it makes an excellent, multi- purpose gift for anyone who loves to read. CONVERSATIONS ON LOVE BY NATASHA LUNN Heavily recommended in this space earlier in the year – and still one of the most comforting reads of the past 12 months – this book brings together a series of beautiful essays by journalist Natasha Lunn. It includes reflections on life’s big questions and insight from interviewees such as Philippa Perry, Roxane Gay and Dolly Alderton. A superb manual for surviving the longer nights, and ideal reading for anyone making resolutions – or attempting to arrive in 2022 ‘in progress’. COOK AS YOU ARE BY RUBY TANDOH Not festive, but definitely delicious and extremely welcome under the tree, the latest book from writer, cook and former Bake Off contestant Ruby Tandoh takes a fresh approach to recipe writing. It includes over 100 accessible, affordable and adaptable suggestions for dishes suited to all occasions. The recipes are organised according to complexity/intensity, available time and mood – so you can easily find what’s going to work for you at that moment. Ruby’s side notes, particularly her observations on realistic seasonality, made me laugh out loud. Her calm, good sense will act as a reassuring presence on the counter, as you cook your way through the irresistible suggestions – all beautifully illustrated with artistic renditions of realistic kitchens and real cooks, as they are. Not to be missed.
H&O SHORT STORY ADVENT CALENDAR Short stories were everywhere this year, so here’s the perfect solution for any short-form lovers. Created by Hingston & Olsen (who are also behind the terrifying Ghost Box of short horror stories – one for next Halloween), this beautiful set of 25 individually bound shorts is designed to be opened on the days leading up to Christmas. After reading each of the tales – this year’s writers include José Saramago, Muriel Spark and even Tolstoy – recipients can visit the publisher’s website and read commentary on each of the works included by editor Alberto Manguel. There’s also a kids’ version, which involves further narratives from writers such as Beatrix Potter, Kenneth Oppel and Terry Pratchett – and both iterations include tales from around the globe and throughout time. Like us, the publishers proudly remain “stubborn, true believers in the power
SHOP LOCAL! Why not start a new tradition, by gifting a Christmas Eve read to your nearest and dearest? You could even head out on a bookshop crawl, factoring in stops for restorative hot chocolates or warming mulled wine en route, of course. Here are some fantastic local bookshops to visit! • Plurabelle Books, Coldhams Road • Waterstones, Sidney Street
• Heffers, Trinity Street • The Haunted Bookshop, St Edward’s Passage
• G David, St Edward’s Passage • Amnesty Bookshop, Mill Road • Oxfam Bookshop, Sidney Street • Topping & Company Booksellers, Ely (pictured below)
START A NEW TRADITION, BY GIFTING A CHRISTMAS EVE READ TO YOUR NEAREST AND DEAREST
HELPING HAND There’s a near-endless choice when it comes to book-related presents. So, this handy guide will offer a smorgasbord of gift ideas to cater for all the bibliophiles in your life
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