From Manchester With Love by Paul Morley review – an epic life of Tony Wilson
The music journalist’s celebration of the TV presenter turned Factory Records kingpin captures the energy and intelligence of a complex but inspiring man
Free by Lea Ypi review – a riveting portrait of growing up in communist Albania
A tale of family secrets and political awakening amid a crumbling regime, the LSE professor’s memoir is one of the nonfiction titles of the year
In brief: B: A Year in Plagues and Pencils; The Gardener; A Curious Boy – reviews
Lockdown drawings from Edward Carey, a new novel of growth and green fingers from Salley Vickers, and a naturalist’s memoir from Richard Fortey
The Selfless Act of Breathing by JJ Bola review – a traveller misses connection
The poet’s lyrical second novel charts the odyssey of a disillusioned teacher who flees London for the US
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles review – a love letter to the American road trip
This sweeping book is as much about the literary history of the road novel as it is about one engaging journey
Around the World in 80 Books by David Damrosch review – an erudite tour of the author’s head
Inspired by Phileas Fogg, an academic treks across the globe without leaving his library in a hymn to the unifying power of literature
Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout review – Lucy Barton’s return brings intense pleasures
The Pulitzer prize-winner delves deeper into the rich cast of characters that have made her a bestseller
1,000 Years of Joys and Sorrows by Ai Weiwei review – a life of dissent
The artist’s memoir reveals a rebellious spirit, inherited from his persecuted poet father, which sustained him through detention by Chinese authorities
In Trump’s Shadow: David Drucker surveys the Republican runners and riders for 2024
Mike Pence and Marco Rubio are among presidential alternatives examined by a writer with knowledge and access
The Dawn of Everything by David Graeber and David Wengrow review – inequality is not the price of civilisation
An archaeologist and an anthropologist dismantle received wisdom about the way early societies operated
Playlist review – relatable, quirky Parisian quarter-life drama
Graphic novelist Sophie is disillusioned with adulthood in Nine Antico’s black and white, Paris-set drama of twentysomething life
Wuthering Heights review – Emma Rice’s audacious riff on Emily Brontë’s classic
Retelling the gothic novel with intelligently charming humour and a live band, this is a bold and ingenious production
Rutherford and Fry’s Complete Guide to Absolutely Everything audiobook review – easygoing education
Radio 4’s Adam Rutherford and Hannah Fry show a light touch as they cheerfully skewer science and maths myths
Children’s books roundup – the best new picture books and novels
Schnauzers in trousers, a Diwali sparkler and Lenny Henry’s kids’ fiction debut, plus the best new YA
The Offing review – soft-pedalled adaptation of Benjamin Myers novel
Janice Okoh’s version of the 2019 novel waters down the culture clash at its heart and suffers for the lack of the author’s rich prose