The Gutenberg Parenthesis by Jeff Jarvis review – how print shaped culture
From the Gutenberg press to the digital age, an illuminating account of the way technology influences the stories we tell
Beijing Rules by Bethany Allen review – a new world order
How China is wielding power and influence beyond its own borders, exploiting western naivety and greed
Open Up by Thomas Morris review – the longing to belong
Distant dads, shy lads and a seahorse are among the solitary figures in these five nuanced stories
High Caucasus by Tom Parfitt review – beauty and trauma in the Russian south
An epic trek through the mountains brings healing and understanding to a veteran journalist
The Crying Room by Gretchen Shirm review – a beautiful study of mothers and daughters
Often unsettling and sensitive novel follows a thread of emotional repression through three generations of women
From Our Own Fire by William Letford review – in a world of his own
A family learn how to live in dystopia in the Scottish poet’s gripping and imaginative mix of cosmic poetry and earthy prose
Witness by Jamel Brinkley – a master of intimate interactions
Built around the ‘folds and creases’ of contemporary life, the American writer’s second collection is a tour de force of the short form
Capote’s Women by Laurence Leamer review – super creeps in haute couture
A rehash of Truman Capote’s fallout with a coven of Manhattan socialites lacks their style and his imagination
The New China Playbook by Keyu Jin review – the bright side of Beijing
The well-connected LSE scholar sheds light on the Chinese economic model but omits anything politically contentious in her attempt to demystify the country
In brief: History’s Angel; Alone: Reflections on Solitary Living; On Java Road – reviews
A beautiful novel exploring tensions in modern India; an engaging meditation on long-term singledom; and a winning blend of mystery and menace
How to Love Your Daughter by Hila Blum review – unforgettable story of a shattering rift
A mother tries to understand why her daughter has cut off contact in the author’s mesmerising and disquieting English-language debut
The Rooster House by Victoria Belim review – secrets and lies in Ukraine
The half-Ukrainian, half-Russian Belim offers a personal perspective on the region’s recent history while circling around a family mystery
The Housemates by Teun Toebes review – the dementia nurse who moved in with his patients
The young Dutchman’s compelling account of his decision to move into a care home shines a light on a system that erodes self-worth
The Stirrings: A Memoir in Northern Time review – Sheffield in the shadow of Peter Sutcliffe
Catherine Taylor’s account of her youth – haunted by the Yorkshire Ripper case and isolated by political activism – is a lyrical study of how place shapes character
Filthy Rich Politicians review: Matt Lewis skewers both sides of the aisle
Donald Trump is not the only politico to talk about draining the swamp while eagerly drinking from it, a new book shows