This week, I had a dental appointment. At the moment, in the UK, dentists are operating a reduced service. Routine check-ups are on hold, but emergency appointments are available and dentists can use their discretion to see patients who they judge are in need of a consultation. I phoned up my practice last week withContinue reading “A trip to the dentist”
Tag Archives: work
Broadcasting Covid-19 style
I’m lucky enough to have appeared on BBC Radio 4’s literary-discussion programme Open Book several times. My first two appearances, coinciding with the publication of my non-fiction book Reading the World and debut novel Beside Myself, were exciting affairs. They involved a trip to Broadcasting House in central London, friendly off-mike discussions with star presenters MariellaContinue reading “Broadcasting Covid-19 style”
The return of childcare
This week marks something of a watershed in our house: our childcare arrangements have resumed. After three and a half months of juggling work and toddler wrangling between us, my husband and I are able to return to our normal office hours. The feeling is extraordinary. Suddenly, there is time to breathe. There is timeContinue reading “The return of childcare”
What restrictions mean
A murky day here on the south coast. From my writing-room window, the white cliffs look drab and unimpressed with the world. As well they might. It’s been a week of profound change in the UK: yesterday the prime minister announced that schools will close indefinitely from tomorrow afternoon as part of the efforts toContinue reading “What restrictions mean”
A Journal of the Plague Year 