Marjane Satrapi, best known for her memoir and film Persepolis, has died, aged 56. The death of this much loved Iranian–French artist, graphic novelist, film-maker and activist has been met with widespread celebration of her life – and its dedication to resistance, freedom and humanity.
It takes courage to host an ABC live broadcast - like the Afternoon Show. It also takes courage to use Voluntary Assisted Dying, which James did so openly, just a few weeks ago, two years after a cancer diagnosis. That people loved him was shown by his Memorial in Sydney Town Hall last Friday – it was packed.
Yáng Shuāng-zǐ and her English translator Lin King have received the 2026 International Booker Prize for Taiwan Travelogue. The novel is the first work translated from Mandarin Chinese to win the award in its ten-year history, and Yang is the first Taiwanese writer to take the prize.
This is a novel that explores connection, porousness, the possibilities offered by permeability. “It asks for a numb heart, the patriarchy,” says Joc. Mantle asks, what if we could ask for the opposite; what if we could let ourselves feel?
The first calls for a boycott came in 1964. A young Danish left-wing activist stormed the stage holding a banner reading “Boycott Franco and Salazar”. Though, the most controversial part of the competition has long been the inclusion of Israel.
Sir David Attenborough turns 100 this week. Very few people have the good fortune to live for a century. Fewer still achieve so much and touch so many lives. He gave the now legendary comedy troupe Monty Python their lucky break, greenlighting their Flying Circus. His keen eye and care for viewers is in part why tennis balls are yellow, not white – they’re much easier to see on screen. But Attenborough is, of course, most famous for his nature documentaries.
Na’ama Carlin, Louise Chappell & Siobhan O'Sullivan
An edited extract of Being Patient: Close Encounters in Cancer World, by Na'ama Carlin, Louise Chappell and Siobhan O'Sullivan. Available from 1 May in all good bookshops.
