The Booker Prize-winner The Remains of the Day is Kazuo Ishiguro's most famous novel, but An Artist of the Floating World is his one book that I re-read at least once a year.

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Denise Welch and Keith Allen in The Smack Family Robinson

Theatre review: The Smack Family Robinson, Rose Theatre, Kingston

Keith Allen and Denise Welch head a clan akin to criminal (and drug-dealing) von Trapp family

The 10 Best ciders

Forget the cheap stuff at the back of the supermarket fridge, properly made scrumpy is the drink of the gods.

Marni has launched its first fragrance in hands of Carolina, the daughter of founder and creative director, Consuelo Castiglioni

The scent of Marni: Italian label launches its first fragrance

The enigmatic Italian fashion label has launched its first fragrance, and it's worth sniffing out, says Naomi Attwood

Australia Mothercare is in administration

Mothercare's Australian business has collapsed into administration after it failed to find a buyer for the baby products retailer.

Facebook criticised again - this time sparked by Mark Zuckerberg's sister

As Twitter and Facebook crimes are announced as having risen a massive 780% in just four years, there's a lot to be said about social media and privacy. Even Mark Zukerberg's sister has something to say.

Government hails record number of people in work and off jobless benefits

The Government hailed new figures showing a record number of people in work as a “real landmark”, as unemployment and jobless benefit claimants fell.

Elisabeth Murdoch and father Rupert

Rupert Murdoch's empire has to be challenged, says Harriet Harman

Labour calls on parties to act together on eve of MacTaggart Lecture by Elisabeth Murdoch

Chefs Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall urge cut-price milk boycott

Celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall have urged the public to boycott some supermarkets over cuts to the price of milk.

Cannes Diary: Harry Potter magic leads to film debut

Crispian Mills, the lead singer of Kula Shaker, can thank a bit of Harry Potter magic for getting him into films, which has culminated in his directing a "semi-comedy" starring Simon Pegg.

Victim's widow speaks out as trio are jailed for businessman's murder

Three men who carried out the "pre-meditated brutal" murder of a businessman were jailed for life today.

Britton says: 'I admire the Queen. History will judge her as an extraordinary woman.'

One Minute With: Fern Britton, presenter and novelist

Where are you now and what can you see?

Investment View: Dunelm Mill is worth backing despite family share sell-off

Businesses which retain a strong family connection have a mixed reputation on the stock market. Sometimes external shareholders have good reason for complaint: when businesses run by a family (or even a strong-minded entrepreneur) raise money from them, it can sometimes seem they are treated like second-class citizens. That the message is something like: "Yes, yes, please give us your money. And then go away quickly."

Spotlight On... Lewis Booth, chief financial officer, Ford

The numbers guy?

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'There is a battle going on inside us that is never discussed'

Masculinity in crisis?

'There is a battle going on inside us that is never discussed'
Have US shock jocks gone too far?

Have US shock jocks gone too far?

An incendiary remark from Rush Limbaugh may be the beginning of the end for outspoken right-wing US broadcasters
The ‘Beverly Hills’ of Surrey pays more income tax than big cities of the North

The ‘Beverly Hills’ of Surrey

Elmbridge pays more income tax than big cities of the North
Heavenly Bodies

Heavenly Bodies

Michael Landy's artistic marriage made in heaven... and hell
'He will always be a friend': Jackie Stewart backs Polanski

'He will always be a friend'

Jackie Stewart backs Roman Polanski
The price of pacifism: Refusing to go to war is finally being recognised as a brave act

The price of pacifism

From the Second World War refusenik to the 19-year-old Israeli, Holly Williams talks to five people who risked shame and suffering to take a stand as conscientious objector.
'It was mass hysteria': Jason Isaacs on groupies, theatre bores and snogging James Bond

Jason Isaacs: Groupies, theatre bores and James Bond

To millions, Jason Isaacs is one of Harry Potter's arch enemies – but his wife prefers him as a Scottish TV detective.
Notes from a small island: Is Sealand an independent 'micronation' or an illegal fortress?

Sealand: 'Micronation' or illegal fortress?

Thomas Hodgkinson spent a week at the tiny platform off the Suffolk coast to find out.
Not a bad bone: Mark Hix cooks with cutlets and ribs

Mark Hix cooks with cutlets and ribs

If you ignore cutlets and ribs, you'll risk missing out on some delicious and easy meals, says our chef.
The experts' guide to summer: From getting fit for the beach to recreating that Olympic buzz

The experts' guide to summer

From getting fit for the beach to recreating that Olympic buzz
Sex, drugs and fast cars: The legend of James Hunt has set Hollywood hearts racing

Legend of James Hunt has set Hollywood hearts racing

Early glimpses of Ron Howard's film Rush suggest it will portray Hunt as a high-living lothario, with an insatiable appetite for partying.
Macklemore: 'I don't have moderation when using drugs and alcohol. It was hurting my life'

Macklemore: 'I don't have moderation'

The next Vanilla Ice or the next Eminem? Macklemore doesn't have a record contract – but he does have the UK's biggest-selling single of the year.
Don't be shy: Bill Granger's Sri Lankan recipes

Don't be shy: Bill Granger's Sri Lankan recipes

Sri Lankan cuisine is light, sunny, wonderfully spiced – and so easy to cook from scratch. Just as soon as you've broken into the coconut, that is.
Sir James Dyson’s latest project: Cleaning up hospitals

Sir James Dyson’s latest project: Cleaning up hospitals

Doctors are hailing the revamp of a Bath neonatal unit, where babies sleep more and feed better, as the model for patient care
One man returns to Argentina's town that drowned

One man returns to Argentina's town that drowned

Epecuen was submerged under 10 metres of water in 1985. Now the floods have gone – and 83-year-old Pablo Novak has moved back in