Jim Crace's novels have one thing in common, which is that each is set in an entirely original world. None of these worlds is of a specific time or place, but they seem to have some connection to our own lives. Justin Cartwright commonconnectioncrace share on social
Homer Collyer's chosen form of self-expression is the piano, although late in life, when his hearing also goes, he takes to writing. Justin Cartwright choosecollyexpression Change image and share on social
Transport is not a ministry the ambitious should accept: no transport minister has gone on to be prime minister. Justin Cartwright acceptambitiousminister Change image and share on social
As Eric Weitz argues, the Weimar Republic (1919-1933) was not responsible for the Reich; it was a democratic, socially aware and progressive government, way ahead of many other European governments in its introduction of workers' rights, public housing, unemployment benefit and suffrage for women. Justin Cartwright aheadargueaware share on social
'The Cauliflower' is full of these bizarre anecdotes, some of them petty, others moving or whimsical, as its many characters try to make sense of the universe in which they live - a universe strange, febrile, and utterly unique. Justin Cartwright anecdotebizarrecauliflower share on social
It is a commonplace to say that novelists should be judged by their work rather than their private lives or their publicly expressed views. And writers, of course, subscribe enthusiastically to this idea. Justin Cartwright commonplaceenthusiasticallyexpress share on social
This is the strange thing about South Africa - for all its corruption and crime, it seems to offer a stimulating sense that anything is possible. Justin Cartwright africacorruptioncrime Change image and share on social
Personally, I have detested Gordon Brown since the moment in 2001 when he tried to make cheap capital out of the Laura Spence affair; as his troubles have piled up, I have felt no sympathy for him at all. Justin Cartwright affairbrowncapital share on social
A connection between poetry and blindness is a classical trope. Justin Cartwright blindnessclassicalconnection Change image and share on social
It was my idea to do a two-hour course of barista training. I was keen to learn how to finish off my coffee with a picture of a heart or a palm tree or, perhaps, a swan. Justin Cartwright baristacoffeefinish Change image and share on social