Speed reads: Oxford, gambling and the power of names
Can a name shape a life? Florence Knapp poses this question in her beguiling first novel, The Names (Phoenix, £16.99; Tablet price £15.29).
The First World War haunts Joanna Miller’s meditative debut The Eights (Fig Tree, £16.99; Tablet price £15.29) which begins in 1920, as Oxford finally awards degrees to women. Four students, neighbours on corridor eight, become friends: Dora, grieving the loss of her brother and fiancé, arrives in their place. Beatrice, daughter of a renowned suffragette, is determined to make her own mark; Otto, a brilliant mathematician, prefers socialising; and Marianne, mousy daughter of a vicar, harbours a secret. Miller’s meticulous research evokes a vivid portrait of 1920s Oxford.
Get Instant Access
Continue Reading
Register for free to read this article in full
Subscribe for unlimited access
From just £37.50 quarterly
Print copy of The Tablet delivered directly to your door.
Complete access to all Tablet website content including all premium content.
Access to the weekly digital copy of The Tablet.
Full access to The Tablet’s archive – over 180 years of back issues.
Already a subscriber? Login
Help us keep The Tablet’s voice independent, clear and far-reaching.
Founded in 1840, The Tablet is the leading independent English-language Catholic weekly, celebrated for great writing, astute analysis, brilliant arts and books reviews and trustworthy reporting from correspondents in Britain, Ireland, Rome and across the world.
Independent, high-quality journalism is at the heart of what we do. The Tablet does not have deep pockets and we are not funded by rich donors. If you appreciate our work please consider supporting The Tablet’s Development Fund. It only takes a moment and you can cancel at any time.
- Support with £5 per month
- Support with £10 per month
- Support with other amount.
MOST READ ARTICLES
-
1
Archbishop of Cardiff-Menevia meets with other worldwide Catholic Church leaders to discuss liturgy
-
2
Let there be light
-
3
World Humanitarian Day: aid workers face a ‘crisis of protection’
-
4
Ruling allows French private hospitals limited exemption from assisted suicide
-
5
A tract for our times
-
6
The wisdom of the saints
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
