Circling the Square: Stories from the Egyptian Revolution by Wendell Steavenson
During the protests against three decades of Hosni Mubarak’s rule in 2011 Steavenson went to Cairo to cover the story. But she finds out swiftly that there are no hard facts or easy conclusions A mix of reportage and travelogue. (Granta, August 6)
Doing Good Better by William MacAskill
When you donate money, how do you know it is helping? This provocative book argues how one can potentially save more lives by becoming a plastic surgeon rather than a heart surgeon and why measuring overheads is an inaccurate gauge of a charity’s effectiveness. (Faber, August 6)
Latest Readings by Clive James
James was diagnosed with terminal leukaemia in 2010. But this reflection on the books he loves shows the swagger has not been diminished. Here we find essays on Joseph Conrad, Ernest Hemingway and VS Naipaul – and all embued with his trademark curiosity. (Yale, August 25)
A Hand Reached Down to Guide Me by David Gates
A musician takes in a friend with terminal cancer. A failed actor contemplates the end of a dream. This is the new collection from the Pulitzer prize-nominated author, which deals with religion, old age and the inevitable fate of mediocrity. (Serpent’s Tail, August 6)
Kauthar by Meike Ziervogel
Lydia is in her 30s and looking for meaning in her life. After meeting a convert to Islam she grows more interested in the religion and does the same and marries an Iraqi-born doctor. Things go well until 9/11 and a move to war-torn Iraq that will change their lives. A book about faith, fundamentalism and devotion. (Salt Publishing, August 1)
Dragonfish: A Novel by Vu Tran
Robert, a police officer, is struggling to come to terms with the breakdown of his marriage to an enigmatic Vietnamese woman, Suzy. But now she has gone missing and her new partner, a violent smuggler blackmails Robert into finding her for him. Gritty noir set in Las Vegas and Asia. (W W Norton & Co, August 3)
