Latest from Books

'It really isn't about food': Hadley Freeman details struggle with anorexia

Hadley Freeman recounts her teenage experience of anorexia more than 25 years ago.

Jane Halifax creator on challenges of bringing TV character to life in book

Roger Simpson details how “terrifying” it was going deeper inside the head of a character.

Review: Two new books illustrate generations of prejudice against women

Forgotten Warriors and Period show the ways in which women’s lives have been diminished.

Top 10 best-selling New Zealand books: August 25

Steven Joyce and Far North make it to the top 10 list.

Review: Story collection explores aftermath of Christchurch earthquakes

Writing about natural disaster's aftermath presents a problem. Author explains her tales.

Review: Kiwi author’s debut novel asks what it means to be modern

The Modern will appeal to readers who have an interest in the queer millennial experience.

Review: Chronicler of weirdos delivers warm-hearted take on retired librarian

There's an unassuming hero in ­Patrick deWitt’s sweet, beguiling novel.

Review: Richard Ford’s road-trip novel a vision of Trump’s America

The novel follows a nuanced portrait of a fractious father-son relationship.

Three entertaining, action-packed books from female authors

A master and two debut authors deliver brand new tales.

Top 10 best-selling New Zealand books this week

All Black’s book remains at the top spot, while fungus guide shoots up to take second.

Bilingual book wins top prize at NZ book awards for Children and Young Adults

This is the first time a bilingual book has won the Margaret Mahy Book of the Year Award.

Review: Insomniac novelist examines causes of sleeplessness

Marie Darrieussecq looks at the consequences and chaos of lack of sleep.

8 new books you should read this month

Literary editor Mark Broatch picks the Listener's best books of the past month.

Review: Writer-to-watch conjures up true-crime rabbit hole

Penance is horribly compelling, despite its untrustworthy narrator.

Review: Lorrie Moore’ first novel in 14 years links two strange tales

The novel is essentially a love story, a ghost story and a metaphorical ghost story.

Review: Revisiting prison labour hiding in plain sight in NZ

At times of high unemployment, prison workers were seen as “taking jobs from "honest" men.

Top 10 best-selling New Zealand books this week

Dan Carter's new memoir went straight to No 1 and doesn’t look like it's budging.

Review: Affair ignites an exploration of family truths in new novel

Ann Patchett writes a convincing portrait of a questioning family.