The Singularities by John Banville review – theoretical physics meets playful storytelling
The author’s vividly realised new novel uses a country house setting to explore scientific puzzles and the nature of reality
The best children’s books of 2022
From a four-legged celebration of the seasons to a fiery tale of women who turn into dragons, our critics look back over the year and pick their favourite titles for children and young adults
Between Friends: Letters of Vera Brittain and Winifred Holtby review – a strange sisterhood
The two writers’ correspondence is psychologically fascinating, revealing a complex friendship of intellectual striving, power play and passion
Five of the best science fiction and fantasy books of 2022
A deep space community, a compelling critique of empire, a UFO novel like no other and more
The best crime and thriller books of 2022
Ajay Chowdhury and Ian Rankin are among the authors of this year’s standout novels, including cosy escapes, dodgy cops and a murder told backwards
Best science books of 2022
Preventing future pandemics, the secrets of the Higgs boson and the surprising roots of plastic surgery
The best food books of 2022
Memories of growing up in a takeaway, eulogies to pressure cookers and snacks, and the best of Jamaican and Indian cuisine
The best comics and graphic novels of 2022
A pandemic stream-of‑consciousness, an artist in the making and a bird society on the moon are among this year’s favourites
The best memoirs and biographies of 2022
Heartfelt memoirs from Richard E Grant and Viola Davis, childhood tales of religious dogma, and vivid insights into Agatha Christie and John Donne
The best history and politics books of 2022
The newsworthy wit of Marina Hyde, the historical roots of British nostalgia, and two takes on a divided US
Five of the best sport books of 2022
A warning about brain damage, a fresh perspective on Geoffrey Boycott, and the rise and tragic demise of a great cyclist
Best children’s and YA books of 2022
Journeys through music, history, magic and more, plus the standout books for young adults
Best fiction of 2022
Dazzling invention from Jennifer Egan, a state-of-the nation tale from Jonathan Coe and impressive debut novels and short stories are among this year’s highlights
The best music books of 2022
Black women in pop, British heavy metal, and the story behind Chirpy Chirpy, Cheep Cheep
The best poetry books of 2022
Meditations on modern Britain, 100 queer poems, and evocations of the natural world are among this year’s standout collections