BOOKSHELF The latest reads
Book of the month
THE LYING LIFE OF ADULTS by Elena Ferrante
This new novel from the author of the hugely popular My Brilliant Friend quartet is possibly the most anticipated book of the year. If you’re a fan of Elena Ferrante, you won’t be disappointed. It’s set in Naples in the 1990s, where teenage Giovanna rebels against her wealthy parents by forming a friendship with her estranged aunt Vittoria. This coming-of-age tale captures the passions and volatility of adolescence.
Insightful look at marriage
MONOGAMY by Sue Miller
Sue Miller is an American author with many books to her name, but has been overlooked here in the UK. I think this terrific portrait of a 30-year marriage will be her breakout book this side of the Atlantic. When larger-than-life Graham dies suddenly, his wife Annie has to navigate a new world as a widow. I loved this wise and witty novel.
Thought-provoking fiction
THE HARPY by Megan Hunter
What appears to be a simple story about a wronged wife is anything but in the hands of such a talented writer. When Lucy learns her husband has been having an affair, she seeks to even the score with three acts of revenge. A talon-sharp look at the stultifying effect domesticity can have on women.
Moving memoir
THE WILD SILENCE by Raynor Winn
This is a must-read for anyone inspired by Raynor Winn’s debut The Salt Path, about the epic walking journey she and her ill husband, Moth, embarked upon after being made homeless. It covers the next chapter as they try to find a home and way of life that will suit them. Another thoughtful memoir.
Warm and funny novel
V FOR VICTORY by Lissa Evans
In this uplifting read, Lissa Evans returns to the characters introduced in Crooked Heart and Old Baggage. It’s the tail-end of the Second World War and Vera is running a boarding house in Hampstead, while looking after 15-year-old Noel. When she witnesses an accident and has to appear in court, the deceit she’s built her life upon looks likely to be discovered.
Original love story
THE BENCH by Saskia Sarginson
Cat and Adam meet in Atlantic City in 1983 and fall head over heels, but when Adam returns to his home in the UK, fate intervenes in their relationship and they lose touch. With echoes of David Nicholls’s One Day, this romance has just the right mix of heart-melting moments and heart-rending near misses.
Engrossing thriller
HOUSE OF CORRECTION by Nicci French
In this clever courtroom drama, Tabitha is on trial for the murder of a neighbour. The evidence against her is strong and, due to the medication she takes, she has virtually no memory of what happened, but she’s sure she’s innocent and has to build a case to clear her name.
Comic murder mystery
THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB by Richard Osman
This murder mystery by the Pointless presenter is brilliant: smart, charming and wryly funny. When a property developer is found dead, octogenarians Joyce, Elizabeth, Ibrahim and Ron, who all live in a luxury retirement village, band together to solve the crime. This is the first in a series and I can’t wait to read more!
Female friendship saga
US THREE by Ruth Jones
This second book from the Gavin & Stacey writer and actor is just as warm-hearted as her first novel, Never Greener. Catrin, Judith and Lana form a tight friendship at primary school, but a falling-out in their 20s leaves Catrin trying to hold the group together as they navigate lost love, family dramas, bereavement and infertility. Read our interview with Ruth on page 150.
Historical fiction
ISLANDS OF MERCY by Rose Tremain
The latest from the award-winning author is set in 1865, where young nurse Jane Adeane is caught between an affair with a beautiful socialite and the promise of marriage. From Bath to the jungles of Borneo, Tremain excels at capturing the landscape. A moving exploration of love and the sacrifices we’re willing to make in its name.