Helen Brown

Bettany Hughes discusses her work bringing ancient history to broad audiences through television, books and social media while highlighting the role of women in Viking society and the importance of studying classics. She criticises reductions in classical education in British state schools and advocates wider access through her charity work. Her career trajectory includes overcoming early sexism in broadcasting and achieving success with numerous documentaries and books. She promotes reading among children and introduces her new book for young readers, inspired partly by Tutankhamun.

Aigul Akhmetshina discusses navigating artistic success while facing cultural politics, online harassment and the pressures of a demanding opera career. She reflects on misconceptions about Russian performers, her refusal to make political declarations, and the toll of burnout, grief and public scrutiny. Her rise from a small village in Bashkortostan to acclaimed roles such as Carmen highlights both her resilience and the challenges opera singers face, including financial strain and the emotional vulnerability essential to their craft.

Liza Minnelli’s memoir recounts her humiliation at the 2022 Oscars, her turbulent childhood with Judy Garland, and the lasting effects of addiction and dysfunctional relationships across her life. The book details her rise to stardom, struggles with substance abuse, complex romantic history, deep professional loyalty, and significant friendships, including a close bond with Princess Diana. Despite trauma and health issues, she presents her story with humour and resilience, offering an intimate portrait of an extraordinary life shaped by fame, family, and survival.

Kevin Cummins recounts his career shaping the visual identity of Manchester’s music scene through iconic images of artists including Oasis, Joy Division, David Bowie and Liza Minnelli. He reflects on the dynamics of his subjects, from the Gallagher brothers’ rivalry to Bowie's professionalism, and describes both rewarding and difficult shoots. Cummins’ work is being recognised through a collaboration with the Brit Awards, alongside his involvement in a youth outreach programme in Greater Manchester. He discusses his philosophy on authenticity in photography and recalls emotionally challenging encounters with musicians struggling with personal issues, while highlighting favourite collaborations that captured genuine character through minimal intervention.

An interview with novelist Amélie Nothomb explores her childhood in Japan, the autobiographical roots of the animated film Little Amélie, and her reflections on identity, memory and labels such as autism. She discusses her sensory awakening, family experiences, complex relationship with truth, writing habits and lifelong sense of wonder, while the film’s critical acclaim and artistic qualities are highlighted.

Rachel Eliza Griffiths’s memoir The Flower Bearers examines the trauma, mental health struggles and life experiences that shaped her relationship with Salman Rushdie, culminating in her role as caregiver after the 2022 stabbing attack on him. The book explores childhood abuse, depression, artistic development, loss and spiritual belief, woven through a stream‑of‑consciousness narrative. Griffiths reflects on the death of close friend Kamilah Aisha Moon, the pressures of literary life and her efforts to define her own voice alongside Rushdie’s work on his memoir Knife. The review describes the memoir as fragmented but powerful, offering both a companion and counterpoint to Rushdie’s account of their shared ordeal.