BOOKSHELF

RESIDENT BOOKWORM JOANNE FINNEY PICKS HER FAVOURITE FICTION AND NON-FICTION, FROM LITERARY GEMS TO GRIPPING FAMILY DRAMAS

The latest reads

Book of the month THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY by Matt Haig

On the day Nora decides to end her life, she discovers a magical library that offers her endless chances to rewrite the choices she’s made and try out different lives. Would she have been happier if she’d married her long-term boyfriend rather than ditching him at the aisle? Or might the life of an Olympic swimmer have been more fulfilling? This touching story, which reminded me of It’s A Wonderful Life, is full of heart and wisdom.

Pure escapism THE GOVERNESS by Wendy Holden

If you loved The Crown, you’ll love this fascinating read about young, idealistic nanny Marion ‘Crawfie’ Crawford, who tutored the young Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret for 17 years. I thoroughly enjoyed this richly detailed peek behind the scenes of royal life and the relationship between Crawfie and her young charges is poignantly written.

Family drama

BURNT SUGAR by Avni Doshi

Throughout Antara’s childhood, her mother chased one dream after another, putting her own needs first. Now her mother is losing her memory and Antara faces caring for the woman she feels never cared for her. A raw, vividly described exploration of the toxic relationship between two women who are forever bound together.

Stunning writing SUMMERWATER by Sarah Moss

Over the course of a single, rainy day in a Scottish holiday park, 12 holidaymakers sit holed up in their cabins observing one another. In short chapters, their inner lives and stories are revealed. This gorgeously written novel is atmospheric, with a sense of unease building to a shocking climax.

Historical fiction at its best A ROOM MADE OF LEAVES by Kate Grenville

Inspired by the real letters of Elizabeth Macarthur, who was married to an Australian merchant, this fictional memoir is breathtaking. Leaving Devon to emigrate to New South Wales in 1790, Elizabeth struggles to settle and soon realises she’s married the wrong man. I loved this plucky, sharp-minded woman.

Intriguing murder mystery MOONFLOWER MURDERS by Anthony Horowitz

I absolutely love this series of fiendishly clever literary mysteries, which started with The Word Is Murder, and I wolfed this new one down. The clues to a real-life murder in a fancy hotel lie within the pages of a crime novel and its editor must work out the links to solve it.

Clever thriller INVISIBLE GIRL by Lisa Jewell

Once again, Jewell delivers a story with characters you care about and enough twists to keep you hooked. When teen Saffyre goes missing, a teacher who’s been dismissed for sexual misconduct is the main suspect. But there are others in Saffyre’s life who have much to hide.

Original and gripping HERE IS THE BEEHIVE by Sarah Crossan

This is the first novel for adults from the bestselling children’s author and, wow, it’s a stunner. Written in verse (although it’s so compelling you won’t notice), this story of an affair between Ana and Connor, who are both married to other people, starts as Ana learns of Connor’s death.

Portrait of a marriage NOTHING BUT BLUE SKY by Kathleen Macmahon

After he’s suddenly widowed, David attempts to make sense of his marriage and who he is without his wife. When he revisits the village in the Costa Brava where the couple holidayed every year, he finds that life can surprise you when you least expect it. A tender portrait of a marriage and how we are formed by our closest relationships.

Thought-provoking read HOMECOMING by Luan Goldie

I loved Nightingale Point, Goldie’s debut, which was on the Women’s Prize For Fiction 2020 longlist. Set between London and Kenya, this engaging novel focuses on love, family and identity. Kiama has grown up without a mother and wants to know more, so he persuades his mum’s friend, Yvonne, to travel with him to Kenya for answers.