In this episode, The Observer's Literary Editor Tom Gatti speaks to Deborah Levy, one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary literature, about her new book, My Year in Paris with Gertrude Stein.​ Blending memoir, literary criticism and fiction, Deborah Levy leads us through Parisian streets, salons and archives in search of the woman whose ideas and desires shaped modernism – with several detours to look for a missing cat. Recorded live at the Observer's London Newsroom.    

On a stroll through Jackson Lamb’s grimy London turf, the author visits the inspiration for Gary Oldman’s headquarters, talks about AI stealing his style to write brownie recipes and explains why he has never owned a smartphone

Your essential guide from The Observer’s books desk

Your essential guide from The Observer’s books desk

Last week, the New York Times ran an experiment that has far-reaching implications, especially for book lovers. It asked readers to compare five pairs of writing samples — one written by AI, the other by a well-known author — and choose which they preferred. AI was chosen much of the time. So, can AI actually write good literature? Booker Prize judge Erica Wagner, The Observer's books editor Tom Gatti, and author Ada Barumé discuss

Your essential guide from The Observer’s books desk

Your essential guide from The Observer’s books desk

Reading to children teaches them to cherish books in an attention-strapped world. But parents also enjoy losing themselves in a story

Your essential guide from The Observer’s books desk

Your essential guide from The Observer’s books desk

Your essential guide from The Observer’s books desk

Old, new, borrowed and blue, here are five romantic songs to suit all Valentine’s moods

Your essential guide from The Observer’s books desk

Your essential guide from The Observer’s books desk

Your essential guide from The Observer’s books desk

Your essential guide from The Observer’s books desk

Your essential guide from The Observer’s books desk

Your essential guide from The Observer’s books desk

Your essential guide from The Observer’s books desk

From mould-breaking fiction to essays, memoir and more, The Observer’s critics and editors choose the most memorable books of the last 25 years – and encourage you to have your say