Ben East

UAE presence with the Sharjah Book Authority at the London Book Fair and John le Carré’s famous character George Smiley is back.

In the book, Chinese writer China Mieville seems to be suggesting that art and culture remain a powerful salve against the forces of extremism and fascism.

Arabic scholar and professor Michael Cooperson is attempting to translate the 'untranslatable' 11th-century work, the Maqamat of Al-Hariri. You can hear a reading of his work in progress at Desert Stanzas 2017 at Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa.

Bestselling Sudanese author Leila Aboulela will further explore issues in a special Emirates Airline Festival Of Literature session.

Plus: Neil Gaiman announces work has started on a follow-up to Neverwhere and film rights for Paula Hawkin's new novel sold.

Plus: International Dylan Thomas Prize shortlist to be announced and impressive graphic novel The Attack gaining traction.

In the third of our four-part series on classic works of Arabic literature, we look at the history and legacy of One Thousand and One Nights, and why it continues to be so influential.

Plus: new novel about Palestinian disapora Salt Houses eagerly awaites and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone special editions for twentieth anniversary.

The Scottish actor, who is quitting his role as Dr Who at the end of the year, tells The National why he remains aloof from stardom.

Plus: there's still time to check out Oscar-nominated adaptations of fiction novels and sales for George Orwell's 1984 on the rise. 

It is really about the way millennials live and feel now – and as far as that goes, Luke Kennard has written a witty, sardonic and honest debut that should give us all cause for concern.

Also, translations start to gather speed and Obama talks about importance of books.

Author Emily Robbins tells Ben East why she hopes her debut novel will remind the world there is more to a city she fell in love with than war.

Welcome to Lagos reveals a talent that hasn’t been dimmed by the success of her debut, even though she says the hype at the time was often overwhelming.

From intriguing debuts and translations of Arabic fiction to the latest from big-name authors and potential bestsellers, we pick the most interesting books that are due out this year.