Recommended books

The Girl Who Trod on a Loaf by Kathryn Davies, Hamish Hamilton, pounds 9.99.

An exquisitely written novel dominated by a tragic love triangle. Review by Natasha Walter, 14 August.

Turmoil and Triumph by George P Shultz, Scribner's pounds 25.95.

Lengthy but sharp and illuminating memoirs by the US Secretary of State who saw out the Cold War. Review by Godfrey Hodgson, 7 August.

The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis by Jose Saramago, translated by Giovanni Pontiero, Harvill, pounds 8.99.

The spiritual odyssey of a remarkable doctor-poet experiencing life on the streets of Lisbon. Told in a vivid poetic style, and elegantly translated. Winner of the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize for 1993.

The Ern Malley Affair by Michael Heyward, Faber, pounds 15.99.

Intriguing account of a dazzling literary hoax that shocked Australia. Review by Robert Winder, 13 August.

Cruel and Unusual by Patricia Cornwell, Little, Brown, pounds 14.99.

Tense and bloodstained thriller from the mortician's slab. Interview by Amanda Craig, 10 July.

The Cattle Truck by Jorge Semprun, Serif, pounds 8.99.

Moving and philosophical account of a Spanish refugee's experience in Buchenwald. Review by Godfrey Hodgson, 26 August.

Eyes by Maggie Hemingway, Sinclair-Stevenson, pounds 14.99.

Four riveting tales that centre around watching and being watched. Review by Patricia Lee, 7 August.