ELLE BOOK CLUB

Literary Editor Marta Bausells picks the books to devour this month

Literary editor Martha Bausells picks her monthly reading list

YOU KNOW YOU WANT THIS

by Kristen Roupenian

From the author of

Cat Person comes one of the most anticipated story collections of the year. This book, which includes the original story, goes deeper in exploring toxic masculinity and power dynamics in the worlds of sex, work and dating.

NUMBER ONE CHINESE RESTAURANT

by Lillian Lee

The author draws on her own experience as a server in a Chinese restaurant for this hugely entertaining book set in a family owned establishment. Lee weaves a narrative full of grudges, intrigue and brilliantly complex characters.

ADÈLE

by Leïla Slimani

An erotic thriller from the author of the bestselling Lullaby that explores sexuality and addiction in modern-day Paris.

The novel follows a young journalist who leads a seemingly perfect life, but suffers from sex addiction and builds a secret life around her affairs.

LATE IN THE DAY

by Tessa Hadley

This is a profound novel that doesn’t disappoint. Two couples (Alex and Christine, Zach and Lydia) have been close since their 2Os, and still hang out in their 5Os. When Zach suddenly dies, Lydia moves in with the other couple, but frictions from the past appear. A real page-turner.

WHEN ALL IS SAID

by Anne Griffin

When Maurice, an Irish farmer in his

8Os, walks into a bar one June night, he orders five drinks, toasts five key people in his life and, through their stories, tells his own. This simple premise hides a rich and moving story, a poetic voice and an unforgettable character in Maurice.

SEA MONSTERS

by Chloe Aridjis

This coming-of-age novel is set in Mexico City in the Eighties, and follows 17-yearold Luisa who, one day, boards a bus to the Pacific coast with a boy she barely knows. They’ll end up at a beach populated by hippies and, in that sun-bleached scenario, she’ll be forced to grow up.

MAGICAL NEGRO

by Morgan Parker

The author of the celebrated collection There Are More Beautiful Things Than

Beyoncé is back with this new book of poetry, which will blow your mind yet again. Focused on depictions of black womanhood, Parker is a literary star, and she shines bright in this new sublime work.

THE HUNTING PART Y

by Lucy Foley

Foley, who is known for her historical books, makes a departure with this, her fourth, an Agatha Christie-inspired thriller set in a remote estate in Scotland where a group of old friends gather for New

Year. Chilling and gripping – don’t read this alone at night.