TRUST is a wildly addictive, ingeniously structured novel of truth, deception, betrayal and cold hard cash that questions the very fragile nature of the economy our lives are built upon–and it’s a story that couldn’t be more timely.
Cloud Cuckoo Land - Anthony Doerr
When I discovered that Doerr’s third novel, Cloud Cuckoo Land, was set to be released, I immediately pre-ordered it, and having just finished the 640-page adventure through time and space, it’s not a decision I regret in the slightest.
Sea of Tranquility - Emily St John Mandel
For those who might never pick up a science-fiction novel or even look down on such writing, Mandel loosely wraps these familiar genre tropes in a character-driven story that explores the nature of humanity suffering under the effects of pandemics throughout time.
Young Mungo- Douglas Stuart
Young Mungo sees Douglas Stuart exploring similar themes to that of his first novel, 2020 Booker Prize winner Shuggie Bain. Both books follow young male protagonists doing their best to survive under challenging circumstances amongst troubled families in working-class Glaswegian communities hard hit by the effects of Margaret Thatcher’s policies.
The Plot - Jean Hanff Korelitz
The Plot is a tightly-wound literary mystery that explores interesting questions about the ownership of ideas, and the origin of great fiction.
Later - Stephen King
Later is a great example of the average King novel: compelling premise, great characterization, easy-to-read prose, fizzles out in the middle, feels like a bit of a slog to finish, leaves an underwhelming aftertaste.
A Ladder to the Sky - John Boyne
A Ladder to the Sky is a brilliantly dark and witty novel–a stark contrast from the heartwarming The Heart’s Invisible Furies.
Klara and the Sun - Kazuo Ishiguro
Ishiguro is a master of prose. It is always the powerful simplicity of his sentences that astound me; imbued with so much meaning, in such an understated, elegant way–he really is a pleasure to read.
The Vanishing Half - Brit Bennett
Ultimately, Bennett has written a wonderfully rich story of a family fractured by choices, and we follow that family and the aftermath of those choices on a poignant journey so relevant to us right now.
Writers & Lovers - Lily King
Yes, there are lots of descriptions about seemingly trivial things; and no, there isn’t much in the way of a plot, but those are two of the reasons why I adored this novel.
The Bright Lands - John Fram
The Bright Lands is one hell of a ride - it is begging to be adapted for the screen. I hope you enjoy it, and that it affects you as deeply as it did me.
A Star Is Bored - Byron Lane
Lane has written an incredibly enjoyable, universal story of love, loss, and acceptance. I would highly recommend A Star Is Bored if you’re looking for some light, comedic relief with an added dollop of heart.
A Good Neighbourhood - Therese Anne Fowler
If you like your fiction to carry a moral lesson, follow its plot along with laser precision, and to leave you reaching for the tissues at the end, then A Good Neighbourhood is for you. I, for one, would highly recommend it.
Home Before Dark - Riley Sager
You might not want to read Home Before Dark late at night if you're of a nervous or easily scared disposition.
Real Life - Brandon Taylor
Real Life is a novel that I will come back to time-and-time again, and one that I will recommend as a powerful piece of literature.
The Resisters - Gish Jen
Thankfully, The Resisters isn’t really about baseball. It’s about a parent’s love for a child, and the need to protect them as they head out into the world.
Apartment - Teddy Wayne
A novel set in the late 90s in which the protagonist and his roommate watch Friends and their classmates quote episodes, and make jokes about which Friends character they are? Could I be any more impressed?
Daemon Voices: On Story and Storytelling - Philip Pullman
I would highly recommend poring over the insight and wisdom contained within this collection of essays on the literary art form.
I Know You Know Who I Am - Peter Kispert
Peter Kispert’s collection of short stories is a profoundly affecting exploration of the ways we humans lie to one another, and ourselves.
The Wife - Meg Wolitzer
If you like your fiction light on dramatic action, but heavy on characterisation The Wife is the novel for you.