Issue 1357

File it under now
The institutional violence Lemn Sissay endured is revealed in the records of his life in care in Wigan. The poet tells Sara Royle he feels a responsibility to talk even if he’s stopped in the street.

Folk law
Mary McAleese’s upbringing in a peaceful family within one of the most troubled districts of Belfast set the stage for a two-term presidency geared towards reconciliation. As she releases her memoirs, she tells Kevin Gopal that while peace in Ireland has proven robust to human frailty, it has never faced a test like Brexit.

Season of plenty
From roseships and sloes to safely sourced mushrooms, now is the time to get our and find your own food, says Sarah Roe.

Plus
News, arts and entertainment, Kevin Rowland’s letter to his younger self, columnist Saskia Murphy, crossword, Sudoku and more.