The Paris Express, by Emma Donoghue

In late 19th century France a train travels from the Brittany coast to Montparnasse. It is crowded with a diverse passenger list across first, second and third classes – women, men and children; politicians, artists, scientists, students, captains of industry and workers of all stripes. The n there is the train crew, working hard to meet their timetable and the unreasonable expectations of their employer. An anarchist is also aboard, zealous in her aim to literally derail the capitalist overlords of France and the world. Donoghue provides a snapshot of everyone’s journey, on the train and in life, at times in rather too much detail. She cleverly builds suspense as the reader gets to know the potential victims of an inevitable tragedy and wonders who might survive. Based on a true event, the author blends the stories of real people who were actually on the train, with some contemporary celebrities who were in the vicinity at the time and could have been there, and some entirely fictional passengers.

The Mars Contingency, by Mary Robinette Kowal

It is 1970, 18 years after the meteor hit the earth and triggered ecological disaster, in this third tale of Lady Astronaut Elma York. She and her husband Nathaniel are among those trying to establish an alternate habitat on Mars to provide a refuge from the dying home planet. There they battle sabotage from the Earth-first terrorism movement and a lack of support from their political masters. Elma is also finding herself on the outer among colleagues who were in the advance expedition to Mars and she starts investigating what happened on that mission and why it is being covered up. There is a lot going on here, but the intriguing plot lines are hampered by the lead character’s annoying persona. Elma’s religion has always been a significant element of the Lady Astronaut story, but in this one it is unnecessarily obtrusive. There are some ludicrous story elements – it’s a strain to believe scientists use the rhythm method of contraception and that, in a 48-year-old woman, a missed period triggers a pregnancy scare rather than suspecting peri-menopause. The politics are always interesting, especially those of race, gender and environment and Kowal does a good job of balancing alt-history with likely projections.

Rise and Shine, by Kimberley Allsopp

Noah and August have been together for 17 years, but their marriage has reached its natural end. They barely communicate; the small things they used to love about each other are now sources of irritation; and there is little joy in life for either of them. August bites the bullet and ends the relationship and they manage the kind of amicable separation that seems rare. Having no children undoubtedly helps. This allows each of them the room and space to evolve and pick up the creative ambitions that had been stifled by an unsatisfying partnership. But can this growth and change make space for a new kind of relationship, where they meet each other’s needs and their own? This is an interesting take on the progress of a marriage between two flawed but likeable characters. There are some nice moments, particularly to do with grieving, male friendship and women balancing creativity and ambition. But the story feels a bit like a fairy tale; all just too good to be true. The voices of the characters don’t come across as authentic, especially towards the rather syrupy end.

Mr Burton (2025), directed by Marc Evans

Son of an alcoholic miner in working class south Wales, Richie Jenkins was destined for an ordinary life. Thanks to the interest, encouragement, care and support of his English teacher, Philip Burton, instead he became a world-famous actor. Starting in 1942, the film depicts the sometimes painful transformation of a wayward teenager into the talented young man who would become Richard Burton. Toby Jones as Mr Burton and Lesley Manville as his landlady, Mrs Smith, lift this rather quiet, slow film into something memorable. Many of the supporting roles are underwritten - it would be nice if the women were at least given names - but Aimee-Ffion Edwards is good as Richard’s supportive sister. Harry Lawtey is sometimes hard to accept as a teen, but is compelling as the older Richard, battling his demons and asking for forgiveness and help, again, from his mentor to fulfill his potential. The film doesn't touch on any of Burton's marriages, conveniently ignoring the first - which was current during this time frame.