Loki by Melvin Burgess review – tales from a tricksy Norse god
In his debut adult novel, the Junk author writes from the perspective of a silver-tongued deity
How the Victorians Took Us to the Moon by Iwan Rhys Morus review – science’s showmen
From electric power to the steam locomotive, the brilliant arrogance of Victorian invention
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver review – Dickens updated
This powerful reimagining of David Copperfield follows one boy’s struggle to survive amid America’s opioid crisis
The Philosophy of Modern Song by Bob Dylan review – essays on songcraft
A kaleidoscopic journey through the rock legend’s musical influences – from Perry Como to the Fugs
Limberlost by Robbie Arnott review – a whole life in closeup
From the cradle to the grave, the simple story of a Tasmanian man’s journey through life is luminously told
Novelist as a Vocation by Haruki Murakami review – lessons in simplicity
The Japanese writer lets readers inside his own head in an insightful collection of essays on his work and methods
A Christmas Carol review – Adrian Edmondson stars in a biting tale for our times
David Edgar’s sharp script feels close to home in this exuberant, illusion-filled version of Dickens’ seasonal but socially conscious story
Dear Elizabeth review – famous name decorates warm-hearted loser comedy
Hapless Sid tries inviting famous one-time pal Elizabeth Banks to his college reunion. Nothing goes to plan – but the film retains real warmth
No Surrender by Scarlett and Sophie Rickard review – the long fight for women’s rights revisited
A brilliant graphic update of Constance Maud’s 1911 call to arms puts the hobnail boots into the women’s march for suffrage
The Path of Peace by Anthony Seldon review – a trail of painful history
The writer’s vivid account of walking the Western Front Way illuminates the traumas of the first world war while reassessing his own tumultuous life
Atarah Ben-Tovim obituary
Orchestral flautist who inspired generations of children with her innovative approach to music education
Out of the Blue by Harry Cole and James Heale – the salad days of Lettuce Liz Truss
This biography of Britain’s shortest-serving prime minister was overtaken by events, but its lively style and air of authority illuminates her failings
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry review – the one with the rich and famous addict
The sitcom megastar opens up about the alcoholism and painkiller dependency that almost killed him in an admirably honest, sometimes cringe-inducing memoir
‘Remarkable’, ‘gorgeous’, ‘entertaining’: the best Australian books out in November
Each month, Guardian Australia editors and critics pick out the upcoming titles they’ve already devoured – or can’t wait to get their hands on
In brief: The Book of the Most Precious Substance; Antarctica: A History in 100 Objects; These Precious Days – review
An absorbing occult thriller from Sara Gran; fascinating snapshots of South Pole exploration; and searching essays from Ann Patchett