The ObserverFictionReviewSet in a petting zoo, this political fable for post-Brexit times is a stark portrait of an isolated, bankrupted community Paris-based writer and translator Adam Biles’s 2016 debut, Feeding Time, was a darkly comic tale about the rebellious residents of an old people’s home. His second novel is a homage (and sequel) to George Orwell’s Animal Farm. Described as “a state-of-the-farmyard novel”, Biles has created a political fable for our post-Brexit times.

Social care This article is more than 16 years oldDo we really want to know whether Tigger suffers from ADHD?This article is more than 16 years oldDavid BattyThe 'minds' of some of the nation's favourite fairy tale characters have been examined in a new book published to coincide with World Mental Health Day. David Batty explains why he thinks it will fail to captivate its audienceOnce upon a time there was an author in need of a gimmick.

Madonna This article is more than 5 months oldMadonna shares statement on health scare recovery: ‘I realised how lucky I am to be alive’This article is more than 5 months oldThe 64-year-old singer, whose Celebration tour was postponed by a serious bacterial infection, said love of friends and family had been ‘best medicine’ Madonna has thanked her friends, peers and family for their support a month after she was hospitalised for a serious bacterial infection that saw her postpone her Celebration global tour.

BooksInterviewRoxane Gay: ‘Public discourse rarely allows for nuance. And see where that’s gotten us’Aida EdemariamThe writer whose radical honesty has won fans across the globe talks about writing as a cry for help, using books to fight racism and why she rejects ‘identity politics’ There is a story in Roxane Gay’s second collection of short fiction, Difficult Women, in which a big, strong man who works in a quarry goes for a walk on the beach and, seeing an extra glint in the sand, discovers a woman made of glass.

Ryder CupThe wife of the US Ryder Cup captain has firm views on the importance of her roleThe Captainess has landed. In an event where spouses have long played a prominent role Lisa Pavin, wife of the USA captain, has surpassed herself and those who have gone before her. "I don't deserve this much attention," said the 36-year-old, who was by her husband's side today as the team landed at Cardiff airport.

Gardening blogGardensSausage vines - a scent that sizzlesStauntonia and Holboellia aren't brash, but the scent of these climbers will transport you to another place, writes plant expert Robbie Blackhall-MilesI found myself in a polytunnel recently, sorting out the climbing plants for Sophie Walker's Cave Pavilion, one of the fresh gardens at this year's RHS Chelsea flower show. With the weather being quite warm, the temperature was heading up towards 30C. The climbing plants of Holboellia and Stauntonia were flowering more than I have ever seen them before.

Eight artworks inspired by mental health problems Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share via Email The Perspective Project hosts art, poetry and writing with the aim of ending stigma and providing an outlet for those with mental health problems. The 24-year-old founder, Mark Anscombe, is already sharing the work of over 30 artists from around the UK, US and Canada, all of whom have various mental health issues.

Crime This article is more than 9 years oldPC Blakelock murder: family grief and questions for police as Nicky Jacobs acquittedThis article is more than 9 years oldJacobs cleared of murder at Old Bailey, after being charged with involvement in mob brutality that inflicted 43 woundsPolice and prosecutors are under pressure after a multimillion pound case against a man accused of joining the mob who butchered PC Keith Blakelock during riots 29 years ago was dismissed on Wednesday by a jury after just a day of deliberations.

The 10 best backing singers Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share via Email As the new documentary 20 Feet from Stardom celebrates unsung musical talents. Jude Rogers picks her own favourites, including a pre-fame Sheryl CrowDo you think someone is missing from the list? Leave your comment below, and your suggestion could feature in the alternative list next week Jude Rogers

The Dwarf Empire: China's theme park staffed by little people – in pictures Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share via Email The World Eco Garden of Butterflies and the Dwarf Empire, also known as the Kingdom of the Little People, is a fantasy theme park in Yunnan province, created in 2009, where 100 little people live and work, entertaining tourists with song and dance routines.