The Times Literary Supplement today turned up two excellent reads, Julian Barnes on Flaubert's letters and Paul Theroux's hilarious send-up of Georges Simenon.

As I try to get into the habit of updating this blog more regularly - and as I look forward to bringing my observations of China to an end soon - I will be sharing more great links sent to me from friends and readers and the many social bookmarking sites and subscriptions to which I sacrifice my time.