Literary fiction
MUSICAL MASTERPIECE The Gustav Sonata, by Rose Tremain (Chatto & Windus, €22.50)
There’s an aptly musical quality to Tremain’s captivating new novel, which begins in post-war Switzerland. For young Gustav, this drab world changes with the arrival of a Jewish musical prodigy who helps him tune in to the yearnings of his heart.
HEARTBREAKING DEBUT The Girls, by Emma Cline (Chatto & Windus, €16.99)
It’s California in 1969, and for 14-year-old Evie, a group of barefoot women glimpsed one summer’s day embody the liberation she so desperately craves. But they’re in thrall to a Charles Manson-like cult leader, who soon has Evie in his sights. She gets her wish and joins them – but with calamitous results.
A WINTER’S TALE Minds of Winter, by Ed O’Loughlin (riverrun, €22.50)
Fay Morgan and Nelson Nilsson were just looking for closure after family members – her grandfather, his brother – disappeared. But they soon learn that their respective loved ones not only knew each other, but worked together on a classified, self-imposed mission. Based on true events in history, Minds of Winter is a compelling and hugely ambitious novel from O’Loughlin, who was born in Canada but grew up in Kildare.
CLASSY SPORTS NOVEL Iron Towns, by Anthony Cartwright (Serpent’s Tail, €19)
At 39 years old, washed-up England soccer player Liam is haunted by a friend’s death. When the culprit is released from prison, a violent showdown looks inevitable. How will things pan out? This is a sports novel but you don’t have to be a football fan to enjoy it – there’s more than enough gripping human drama here to keep almost everyone interested.
HISTORICAL SAGA Napoleon’s Last Island, by Thomas Keneally (Sceptre, €27.75)
This spirited yarn spins an intimate coming-of-age narrative from a footnote in the life of Napoleon. It’s set on Saint Helena, during his final exile. Yet he still has enough charisma to fascinate teenage Betsy – with unhappy results.
MASTERFUL LOVE STORY This Must Be The Place, by Maggie O’Farrell (Tinder Press, €18.99)
Daniel is a big believer in the power of language, so it’s ironic that it is words left unsaid which threaten to derail his life with reclusive French actress Claudette. This is the seventh novel from Coleraineborn author O’Farrell – and it’s a mesmerising read.
COASTAL DRAMA The Little Red Chairs, by Edna O’Brien (Faber & Faber, €10.99)
Fatal attraction looms when a Balkan faith healer arrives in an Irish coastal village. Vladimir soon has the small community enthralled, but for Fidelma, who yearns to become a mother, his spell will have unimaginable consequences.
LOVE AND MARRIAGE Fates and Furies, by Lauren Groff (Windmill, €9.99)
Groff’s wonderful novel tells the story of Lotto and Mathilde’s marriage – but looks at the events that unfold between the couple from the perspective of both protagonists. The author masterfully exposes the contradictions and inconsistencies that can be found in many relationships. The pair’s story can be complicated at times, but it certainly packs a strong emotional punch.