Cultural Life: Cherie Blair

Television

I almost never watch TV although the entire family is hooked on 'Dr Who'. I watched an episode of 'Inspector George Gently' on BBC1. It's set in the 1960s, when I was growing up, and the sets, the clothes and the plot seem so old fashioned now.

Books

I'm a readaholic. I am currently reading 'After Dark' by Haruki Murakami, which takes place over one night in modern-day Tokyo. I have read a number of Murakami's novels and he gives an amazing under-the-skin glimpse into contemporary Japanese life, particularly among young people.

Theatre

I took Leo to see the National Theatre's production of 'War Horse', based on Michael Morpurgo's book. It tells a wonderful story in spectacular fashion and has a powerful message about the true horror of the First World War.

Visual art

I was in Doha recently and we were taken around the new Museum of Islamic Art. Apart from being a terrific building, the displays inside really show the depth and breadth of Islamic culture from beautiful books to fabulous carpets. Not to mention some glorious jewellery.

'Speaking for Myself' by Cherie Blair is published in paperback by Sphere, an imprint of Little, Brown, priced £7.99