The ObserverFictionReviewThe Irish writer’s follow up to Exciting Times is amusing and sympathetic about romantic fickleness – if not as spiky as her hit debut Among the many complaints from why-oh-whying critics about last month’s Grantalist of best young British novelists (sorry if you’re sick of the subject) was the absence of the Irish writers Naoise Dolan, Michael Magee and Sally Rooney. While historians probably have a better word for that kind of inclusivity, the slightly bizarre consensus could also be seen as an uncomplicated tribute to the fact that so many of the best recent novels in English have come from Ireland.

The ObserverPhilosophy booksReviewDavid Brooks’s quest to discover the fundamentals of good character gets hopelessly lost along the wayDavid Brooks is a conservative columnist for the New York Times and a broadcaster. He tells us in The Road to Character that he has a “natural disposition to shallowness”. At full mea culpa throttle, he adds that he is paid to be, “a narcissistic blow hard… I have to work harder than most people to avoid a life of smug superficiality”.

A life in pictures: Diego Maradona Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share via Email Arguably the world’s greatest ever footballer, Diego Armando Maradona has died aged 60. We take a look back at his colourful career on and off the pitch Diego Maradona dies aged 60 Child genius Maradona became the fulfilment of a prophecy Paul Bellsham

OpinionChristmas This article is more than 1 month oldChristmas joy feels more elusive than ever. Look for quiet contemplation insteadThis article is more than 1 month oldPaul DaleyIn troubled times like these it’s hard to know where to find beauty and meaning, let alone any joy Christmas, most of us are brought up to believe, is all about joy. Joy about being with loved ones. Joy about giving and gracefully receiving.

OpinionEthical and green living This article is more than 7 years oldI shower once a week. Here’s why you should tooThis article is more than 7 years oldDonnachadh McCarthyDaily showering is expensive, polluting and unnecessary. The old-school weekly bath or shower – with a brief daily sink-wash – is healthier for the environment, and for us When I was a kid, bathtime was a once-a-week affair. We weren’t an unhygienic family – this is just how most of us lived in the 1960s, and I do not remember any horrific body odours resulting from it.