A message from Martha by Mark Avery – review

GrrlScientist: This absorbing book is an engaging and wistful, yet measured, chronicle about the tragic loss of one very special, iconic, species, the passenger pigeon.

Nairn’s London by Ian Nairn review – each entry is a masterpiece of construction

Nicholas Lezard’s paperback of the week: Compact yet enormous in scope, this reissued guide to the capital has never been bettered

The Pearl review – inventive, affecting Steinbeck adaptation

Dumbshow delivers a clever and funny stage version of John Steinbeck’s novella about the worth of a jewel against the worth of family, writes Lyn Gardner

Revolution by Russell Brand review – the barmy credo of a Beverly Hills Buddhist

Russell Brand’s desire to lead a global revolution is undermined by his smug, shallow manifesto, writes Nick Cohen

In Your Prime review – India Knight tackles ageing with wit

The 48-year-old author’s guide to the joys and challenges of middle age is like a funny, informative conversation, writes Kate Kellaway

Diana Cooper: Darling Monster review – the kind of primary source that historians drool over

Lady Diana Cooper’s letters to her son are full of society gossip, acerbic wit and sharp wartime observations, writes Sophia Martelli

The New World review – Andrew Motion’s Treasure Island sequel is masterfully drawn

The further exploits of Long John Silver’s daughter and Jim Hawkins’s son are more of a western than a buccaneering adventure, writes Ben East

Anger is an Energy review – John Lydon’s autobiography is a ripe, breathless romp

The Sex Pistols and PiL frontman’s second memoir shows how Dickensian poverty and illness can be turned into a positive and entertaining life, says Jude Rogers

Mecca: The Sacred City review – an important study of one of the great religious sites

Ziauddin Sardar tells the story of Mecca with rare insight and passion, writes William Dalrymple

The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber review – the story of Jesus goes intergalactic

A Christian pastor is sent to work with aliens in a neighbouring galaxy in Michel Faber’s powerful examination of humanity, writes Stephanie Merritt

Elsa Schiaparelli: A Biography review – no ordinary fashion designer

Biographer Meryle Secrest is enthusiastic in pursuit of the elusive designer whose friends included Dalí and Hitler’s ambassador to Paris, writes Rachel Cooke

The Gamblers review – Gogol’s conmen transformed into women

Despite a strong ensemble spirit and fluid production, an all-female cast offer no insights into male behaviour, writes Mark Fisher

33 Artists in 3 Acts by Sarah Thornton – review

‘What kind of artist are you?’ Cindy Sherman, Damien Hirst and Ai Weiwei rub shoulders in Sarah Thornton’s take on the art world. By Marion Coutts

The Turn of the Screw review – compelling, challenging and creepy

Jonathan Kent’s production of Britten’s ghost story is revived to haunting effect, with standout central performances from the children, writes Tim Ashley

Flat Stanley review – classic kids’ book becomes wonderfully wonky musical

This show based on Jeff Brown’s offbeat novel is loud, colourful and cleverly designed – and it will strike a chord for younger siblings, writes Chris Wiegand