Front Row - 10/08/2009

The novelist behind bestseller Girl With a Pearl Earring tells John Wilson about Mary Anning, the unsung 19th-century fossil hunter behind the tongue-twister She Sells Sea Shells on the Sea Shore, and subject of her new novel Remarkable Creatures. An award-winner at the 2009 Cannes festival, Sin Nombre (Without Number) tells the story of Honduran teenager Sayra and ex-gang member Willy. Sayra is determined to find a better life in America, a journey which first involves a perilous train-top ride to Mexico. Willy is desperate to turn his back on the vicious gang who rule his life and killed his girlfriend. In terrifying circumstances, the two form an unlikely bond. Critic Adrian Wootton gives his verdict. The new 20th anniversary special edition re-release of The Stone Roses' eponymous debut album includes a disc of hitherto unavailable demo tracks, as have past releases by the Beatles, The Beach Boys and The Clash. To put the cases for and against bringing demos to record shops, John Wilson is joined by music writers Travis Elborough and John Aizlewood. As the credit crunch gains pace, record numbers of holidaymakers are planning to stay in the UK for the summer. Author Graham Hurley offers the first in a series of cultural guides for 'Staycationers', letting us know what arts and entertainment are on offer in some of the country's top holiday destinations. He offers some tips on what to watch out for in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.