Peter Grimes. Review by Barbara Lewis. In difficult times, it would seem, people crave total escapism – or deep catharsis from confronting our own failure as humans and society.

A PHYSICAL EDUCATION: John Lucas considers Jonathan Taylor’s perceptive and accessible discussion of the causes and consequences of authorised cruelty in schools and beyond

Poetry review – AGAINST THE STREAM: Andrew Keanie considers a comprehensive selection of Gary Allen’s poetry and sets it in the context of Northern Ireland’s troubled history

Here We Are, by Stephen Sondheim. Review by Graham Buchan. The production of a new work by Stephen Sondheim is a significant event in any cultural calendar.

Poetry review – REAL LEAR: Jennifer Johnson admires the wit and originality on display in this New & Selected from Claire Crowther

Poetry review – IN THE HERE AND NOW: D A Prince commends the craft and wide range displayed in Janet Montefiore’s selected poems

Poetry review – FOREIGN FORAYS: Sue Wallace-Shaddad follows Antony Johae through travel poems in a variety of moods

Poetry review – ALIGHTING IN TIME: Alwyn Marriage explores and enjoys the distinctive language and worldview in Lynne Wycherley’s new collection
Books of Hours, Books of Hope. Review by Barbara Lewis. If, like me, you need a reminder of the definition, a book of hours is a devotional manual designed for personal prayer.
By Barbara Lewis • added recently on London Grip, books, exhibitions, history, religion • Tags: Barbara Lewis, books, exhibitions, religion