Tracy Chevalier

I read because I want to know what it’s like to look at the world through someone else’s eyes, and reading is a remarkably efficient and vigorous way of doing that. More

Master and Commander

First book in O’Brian’s Aubrey/Maturin series, widely regarded as the greatest series of historical novels ever written. More

Papillon

A bestselling phenomenon and classic memoir of prison breaks and adventure. More

Moby-Dick

Often called the greatest American novel of all time. More

Wolf Hall

Winner of the 2009 Man Booker Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award. More

Gorky Park

First book in the Arkady Renko series, which became an instant bestseller and changed the crime fiction genre. More

Jack Higgins

Why I write: Some years ago, although enjoying great success, I was accused by certain literary critics of repeating myself too much in my work. More

Flashman

When this novel was first published, many critics mistakenly accepted it as a genuine historical memoir. More