MY SIX BEST BOOKS

CHARLES SPENCER

CHARLES, 56, the 9th Earl of Spencer, is an author, broadcaster and uncle to Prince William and Harry. His new book The White Ship ( William Collins, £ 25) is out now.

PUT OUT MORE FLAGS Evelyn Waugh ( Penguin Classics, £ 9.99)

I reread this masterpiece of black comedy as Covid- 19 appeared. Waugh’s targets in this 1942 novel – the bogus “experts” and the profiteers who appear at times of crisis – still resonate strongly today.

THE LAST TYCOON F Scott Fitzgerald ( Penguin Classics, £ 14.99)

I find this murky tale of desire, chance, vengeance and murder his greatest work. A tragic heroine gets immersed in a world of affairs, hitmen and blackmail.

COMMANDO Deneys Reitz ( The House Of Emslie, £ 12.99)

The true story of a teenage patriot who fought against the English in the Boer War. A brilliant rider and marksman, Reitz gives his incredible tale of heroism and endurance a suitably cracking pace.

CAPTAIN CORELLI’S MANDOLIN Louis de Bernières ( Vintage, £ 8.99)

Forget the disappointing film and luxuriate in the prose. An enthralling tale of endurance and passion, full of emotional intelligence.

THE FLIGHT OF THE HERON DK Broster ( Out of print)

A fictionalised take on the rebellion of “Bonnie” Prince Charlie. As a child, I devoured this lyrical, dramatic tale set against a backdrop of loyalty, courage and tragedy.

WILD SWANS Jung Chang ( William Collins, £ 10.99)

Chang’s recollection of her mother, grandmother and experiences in China brought into focus the country’s recent history which, for me, had been just a blur.