Jane Gardam
Coleridge: Darker Reflections by Richard Holmes (HarperCollins, £19.99). Wonder- ful new accounts of, for instance, his rela- tionship with Nelson and the navy. Great empathy with reader. Writes of Coleridge as if he had first-hand knowledge, and great friendship. The Unknown Matisse by Hilary Spurling (Hamish Hamilton, £25). Awe-inspiring diligence and sensational revelations. Fanny Burney by Kate Chisholm (Chatto, £20). A first book full of FB's spirit and also full of learning, with excellent notes. Master Georgie by Beryl Bainbridge (Duckworth, £14.99) By far the best novel. Right at the top of her powers. The Artist's Widow by Shena Mackay (Cape, £12.99) is memorable and funny. About beastliness, love and Art. Ethel and Ernest by Raymond Briggs (Chatto, £14.99) is a cartoon novel to love for ever. Perfect present for all except the dying.
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