14 h. ago A Beautiful Family by Jennifer Trevelyan review – an immersive but imperfect coming

Subject of a fierce bidding war, this charming debut shows Trevelyan has an impressive knack for character, but is let down by a predictable plotWriting a story from a child’s perspective works like a filter over a lens. Novels such as Sofie Laguna’s The Eye of the Sheep, Craig Silvey’s Jasper Jones and Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time use a younger person’s narration to process darker, adult themes and reveal the mythologies of the adult world. Jennifer Trevelyan’s debut A Beautiful Family uses a similar framing to tell an immersive yet imperfect coming-of-age mystery set in New Zealand.It’s 1985, and 10-year-old Alix – a tomboyish, inquisitive girl who is never without her red Walkman and Split Enz cassette tape – is on holiday with her family, who have left their Wellington home for the nearby Kāpiti Coast. Her novelist mother normally prefers secluded spots, but this time she has curiously opted for a populous beach town. Between her parents’ bicke...

Politics

18 h. ago The brutal truth about Japan: I was told it's 'great for families'

Exhausted and frustrated, I pushed open the glass doors of the 7-Eleven and made a beeline for the chilled section to pick out dinner for my tired, hungry family.

Politics

21 h. ago Our daughter has Down Syndrome – this Lake District destination made the perfect family holiday

A quieter corner of this popular UK region proved to be the ideal spot for a child-friendly break for Anthony Bennett and his brood

Politics

26 h. ago Dear Coleen: My killjoy husband refuses to go away on a family holiday

"His reluctance to do anything or go anywhere is really affecting our marriage."

Events

39 h. ago 'My killjoy husband still refuses to go away on a family holiday'

Resident agony aunt Coleen Nolan has advice for a reader who's annoyed her hubby won't consider going away, even in this country, and fears he has a problem with anxiety

Events

41 h. ago Gulliver’s World 2025 overnight stay and theme park deal from £139 for four

The 2025 school holiday deal includes a family sleepover inside the Warrington theme park grounds – and prices start at £139 for four

Economics

42 h. ago Kyle Walker 'treats his wife Annie to a second luxury holiday in a bid to apologise after getting their marriage on track amid divorce fears'

Following fears that the couple were on the brink of divorce, sources claim the Manchester City star, 35, has been enjoying some time with Annie, 33, in Ibiza, after they jetted to Florida for a family holiday.

Politics

59 h. ago Brit DJ, 24, in coma after horror quad bike accident just days after landing dream job

Kai Roberts from Pembrokeshire had landed an 'amazing job' DJing on the Greek holiday island but is now fighting for his life, leaving his family and girlfriend heartbroken

Events

68 h. ago 'I booked my dream flight but entitled parents nearly ruined it'

A woman was looking forward to enjoying the views of Africa from 40,000ft on her dream holiday - but her experience was ruined by a family who let their kids climb all over her on a six-hour flight

Politics

3 d. ago Mum fighting for life on holiday from hell after mosquito attack and tragic accident

A mother and her partner took their two kids to Costa Adeje, Tenerife for a relaxing 12-day getaway – but the family's holiday of a lifetime was turned into a nightmare

Events

3 d. ago Footballer, 26, dies on pitch during match in tragedy just one day after family holiday

Russian footballer Artem Kalmykov died at just 26 after he lost consciousness and collapsed on the pitch during a B-3 League of the Moscow Region Championship

Events

4 d. ago Annie Kilner shows off her incredible figure in a black bikini as she joins shirtless Kyle Walker after confirming they are back together on Florida family holiday

The couple's relationship has made headlines as it was claimed it was 'as bad as it's ever been' after Annie, 33, served Kyle, 35, with divorce papers in October 2024.

Politics

6 d. ago The terrifying mystery behind cruise passenger who vanished into thin air with no trace as Netflix launches documentary probes investigation

Amy Bradley (pictured), 23, was on holiday with her family on a cruise in the Caribbean when she suddenly disappeared in the middle of the night on March 24, 1998.

Events

7 d. ago Plenty of family fun at Vue Livingston this school summer holiday

One adventure that’s simply out of this world, landing into Vue just in time for the summer break is the latest heartfelt and hilarious release from Pixar, Elio.

Politics

7 d. ago Family saved for a year for £12k TUI holiday but claim it was far from luxury

Lucy Hylton claims the buffet at the all-inclusive five-star hotel was 'filthy' prompting the family to eat out

Economics

7 d. ago Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland this school holiday

Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland, offering ample opportunity for families to spend quality time together now that the school year has ended.

Politics

8 d. ago 'It stunk so bad you could barely breathe': Family's £12k luxury holiday turned into 'nightmare'

“It was our first family holiday, and we were so looking forward to it, but it was horrible"

Economics

8 d. ago 'Devoted friend' Dan Walker takes a night away from his family holiday to attend event with ex Strictly partner Nadiya Bychkova where pair 'raise eyebrows' with 'close connection'

'Devoted friend' Dan Walker spent a night away from his family holiday to attend an event with former Strictly Come Dancing partner Nadiya Bychkova.

Politics

8 d. ago Terminally ill mum who wants one last family holiday stung with £5k insurance bill

Denise Greig, who is battling stage 4 terminal cancer, fears her dream trip to Mexico could be dashed

Economics

8 d. ago Mum who wants one last family holiday quoted £5,000 for insurance

Denise, 51, has been told she has a year to live and wants to make memories with her family

Economics