Jessie Thompson is The Independent's Arts Editor, leading on coverage of books, theatre, visual arts and dance. She also writes and edits reviews, columns, features and interviews across the Culture section, and is the author of the weekly Indy/Arts newsletter. She previously worked at the Evening Standard, where she was Deputy Arts Editor. She has appeared on the Radio 4 Today Programme and Woman’s Hour, and chaired panels for Charleston Festival and the Royal Opera House. She finds it hard to definitively name her favourite book, but it's probably The Silent Woman by Janet Malcolm. Or maybe Never Let Me Go. Or Hotel du Lac. Or possibly A Visit From the Goon Squad. It's very hard to choose. Her favourite film? No contest. It's Mamma Mia 2.