Justin Cartwright's Blog, page 2

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson – review

Kate Atkinson: wary of writing something too ordinary? Photograph: Murdo Macleod

Nelson Mandela’s greatness came from the humanity that he radiated

It was not just his courage and capacity to inspire that endeared Nelson Mandela to so many. Despite being one of the world’s most prominent statesmen – perhaps the most revered of his age – he retained his extraordinary humanity.

David Laws tells students to ‘think big’

The Schools Minister David Laws has issued his support to i's Back to School campaign, saying that providing career advice to teenagers was “a bit of a no brainer”.

Richard the Lionheart: battle addict who spent much of his life in France

The 12th century English king whose coat of arms adorns the national football side's shirts was not in fact English at all

MaddAddam by Margaret Atwood – review

The third part of Atwood's dystopian trilogy is often lyrical, but ultimately indulgent and undisciplined

There Was a Country by Chinua Achebe – review

Chinua Achebe's lament for his native Biafra and the decline of Nigeria is powerful and moving

Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan – review

A satisfying spy novel with a literary twist provides both surprises and sly references to McEwan's early work

How did modern Islam become so intolerant?

In Allah’s name, what is wrong with us Muslims? And why do we find it so hard to ask that question of ourselves? What will it take to break the heavily curtained window of denial?

Letters: Our jurors do need more help

The judge in the Vicky Pryce trial felt constrained to answer the jury's question "Can you define reasonable doubt?" by answering "a doubt which is reasonable". Alas, it has become established that no explanation of "reasonable doubt" should be given to juries. Judges are required to direct juries that, before...

The Pistorius case casts a lurid light on a corrupt and crime-ridden South Africa

Friday 22 February 2013