Diva by Daisy Goodwin review – a novelisation of Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis’s tumultuous affair

This powerful reimagining of the soprano’s toxic relationship with the Greek shipping tycoon captures the drama and heartbreak of one of the most celebrated singers of all time

On my radar: Alison Balsom’s cultural highlights

The classical trumpeter on a complex marital drama, an uncompromising violinist and a garden that feels like stepping back in time

On my radar: Frank Tallis’s cultural highlights

The author and psychologist on an intimate performance of MR James’s ghost stories, a brilliant debut novel and an impossibly good pianist

Me and Mr Jones by Suzi Ronson review – Stardust memories of David Bowie’s hairdresser

This candid memoir by the stylist who helped create the singer’s Ziggy look offers a vivid snapshot of his golden years – but loses its lustre when Bowie moves to LA

The Rev Richard Coles: ‘I think my CV looks like the work of a fantasist’

The pop star turned vicar and radio host on his new career as crime novelist, missing the clergy and why his books speak to the anxiety of uncertain times

The Silver River by Jim Moginie review – a Midnight Oil memoir tinged with sadness

Moginie’s book may not scratch every itch, but it is a sometimes lyrical and moving look at how one of Australia’s biggest bands became a beast of burden

The 2024 Oscar shorts review – intense drama, enticing animation and essential documentary

While Wes Anderson’s nomination has caused mild controversy there is an enticing and eclectic mix of strong contenders worthy of the win

Taylor Swift is related to Emily Dickinson, genealogy company reveals

Ancestry.com says singer and poet are sixth cousins, three times removed, both descended from a 17th-century English immigrant

Poem of the week: On the Death of Mr Purcell by John Dryden

The death of the English composer at a young age inspired this ode by his collaborator in theatrical productions of the 1690s

From Dylan to Ishiguro: can song lyrics ever be literature?

A new book of lyrics by Kazuo Ishiguro joins collections by Kate Bush and Jarvis Cocker. But can songwriting ever work on the page?

On my radar: James Smith of Yard Act’s cultural highlights

The singer on the power of trespassing, a life-changing film, and the one item of clothing he never takes off

‘Something lurking behind the curtain’: the dark, violent downfall of drummer Jim Gordon

One of the industry’s most respected musicians committed a shocking murder in the 80s. A new book tells his difficult story

Dune: Part Two review – second half of hallucinatory sci-fi epic is staggering spectacle

Denis Villeneuve’s monumental adaptation expands its extraordinary world of shimmering strangeness. It’s impossible to imagine anyone doing it better

The Rejects by Jamie Collinson review – almost famous

From Pete Best to Florence Ballard and the guy who managed to get fired from both Nirvana and Soundgarden, a history of rock and pop’s also-rans

On my radar: Dave Eggers’s cultural highlights

The American author on whale watching, Kehinde Wiley’s hypnotic paintings and an indispensable Canadian singer-songwriter