books
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The 2026 Women’s Prize winners talk rejection, process and finding stories worth telling
Veteran journalist Lyse Doucet turned an experience in Afghanistan into a chronicle of history. Meanwhile, after years of setbacks, Virginia Evans turned a writing exercise into award-winning fiction.
Brilliant music, books, art and TV to have on your radar in May
This month’s most exciting cultural happenings include a Beninese musician’s pop-star-packed album, an exhibition examining the work of Icelandic star Björk and a film told from the perspective of a plucky hen.
The new books, films, music and TV to add to your April list
From a lyrical narrative exploring memory in a digital world to a long-awaited second season of a hit TV show, here’s a list of new titles to occupy your free time this April.
Three delights for print-lovers: A 24hr bookstore and two must-reads
Step inside Taipei’s 24-hour Eslite bookstore, explore Joann Sfar’s illustrated Paris and discover why KLM’s Holland Herald remains a print icon.
Step inside the Boston Central Library, a beaux arts monument to democracy
Founded in 1848, the Boston Central Library’s McKim Building is a celebration of civic pride and access to knowledge.
The five architecture and design books you should be gifting this Christmas
Spruce up coffee tables and top-up design knowledge with these five Monocle-recommended monographs.
Why ‘Perfection’ will be the most-discussed design book of the summer
In just 120 pages, Perfection captures millennial malaise, design lust and the inevitable disappointment when the perfect home — or life — proves impossible to achieve.
Culture
A storied bookseller opens up his own personal library and why tiny museums are big news.
Choice cuts
Our inventory of cultural unmissables includes a tense paella western, an original Ukrainian crime drama and a collection of top-grade South African sonics.
