The Latest Breaking News from Helen Garner

The Australian writer’s decision to publish her diaries in her own lifetime – subjecting herself to scorching observations on self-doubt and unravelling marriages – makes for a wonderfully rich and rewarding read

Australia has been unique in the anglosphere for decades, as its independent publishers have resisted the forces of conglomeration and remained privately owned – often by their founders. But this week the third independent publisher in less than six months has merged with a multinational.

BOOKS: The Independent’s writers look back on the literary year and select the very best books to gift your loved ones this festive season

There are a number of good reasons you might want to read this little “nanna’s book about footy” from Helen Garner over the summer.

‘Electrifying’ Judy Davis will star in adaptation of The Spare Room, with Colin Friels as King Lear later in the season

Like so many avid readers around the world, I was fascinated by the recent New York Times list of the Best Books of the 21st century, as voted by 503 authors, critics and book lovers.

As Antarctic tourism grows, so does the environmental impact. Now scientists and artists who work on the continent hope to encourage us to admire from afar

The prize-winning nonfiction writer on a generational comic talent, the incredible Helen Garner novel you should read and a deeply relaxing bed of nails

Judi Dench talking Shakespeare, conversations with bestsellers Marian Keyes and David Nicholls, and a deep dive into the day’s news with Independent journalists and leading thinkers – this year’s Hay Festival programme is fit to burst with unmissable events. Jessie Thompson picks the highlights