BOOKSHELF

The best reads for you to discover this month

Book of the month KLARA AND THE SUN by Kazuo Ishiguro

From The Remains Of The Day to Never Let Me Go, Ishiguro has written many memorable novels over the past 30 years. In his latest, he explores the relationship between humans and AI. Klara is a robot known as an Artificial Friend, bought by a mother as a friend for her sick daughter. Klara is designed to offer unconditional love, but can she make the sacrifice she’s asked to make? Moving and fascinating, it’s a must-read.

Atmospheric mystery THE LAMPLIGHTERS by Emma Stonex

In 1972, three keepers vanish from a Cornish lighthouse. Mysteriously, the door is locked from the inside and the clocks have stopped at the same time. Twenty years on, a writer interviews the women left behind and uncovers secrets. The fact it’s based on a true story makes this atmospheric mystery all the more intriguing.

Thought-provoking story TRANSCENDENT KINGDOM by Yaa Gyasi

Gyasi’s first novel, Homegoing, won huge critical acclaim. This follow-up centres on a Ghanaian family living in Alabama and is told by Gifty, a PHD student, whose life is turned upside down when her mother comes to stay. Raw, powerful storytelling that tackles race, religion, addiction and grief in a thoughtful way.

Elegant writing UNSETTLED GROUND by Claire Fuller

This tender, unusual novel follows 50-something twins Jeanie and Julius, who still live with their mum. After their mother dies, they struggle to cope and find that the truths they’ve believed for a lifetime are not what they seem. These memorable characters will work their way into your head and heart.

Dazzling novel DOG DAYS by Ericka Waller

Three people struggling to find their place in the world (angry widower George, OCD sufferer Dan and Lizzie, who is living in a refuge with her young son) are brought together by their dogs. This was such an emotional read and the perfect mix of humour and heartache.

Family drama MISPLACED PERSONS by Susan Beale

Issue-led novels can be hard work, but not this beautifully written story about a mother who, reeling from her husband’s affair, offers a refugee a room in the family home. Set in Brussels and Paris during recent terror attacks, it feels timely but has great warmth and readability, too.

Lyrical prose

THE WALKING PEOPLE by Mary Beth Keane

I was a big fan of Ask Again, Yes by the same author and this is every bit as good. This gentle family story spans from 1950s Ireland to modern-day America and follows the fortunes of a woman hiding a secret from her children.

Escapist fiction THE CASTAWAYS by Lucy Clarke

Sisters Lori and Erin are meant to be flying to Fiji for bonding time, until a row the night before means only Lori boards the flight. When the plane disappears, Erin won’t accept that her sister may be dead. Then, two years later, the pilot reappears. If you enjoy writers like Erin Kelly and Clare Mackintosh, you’ll love this twisty thriller.

Uplifting read THE WORLD AT MY FEET by Catherine Isaac

Ellie is an Instagram gardening influencer with 56K followers, but secretly suffers from agoraphobia and lives in a cottage in her parents’ garden. Alongside Ellie’s story is that of her mother’s time as a foreign correspondent. Ellie is a character you root for and I was shocked by the big reveal halfway through.

Edge-of-your-seat thriller TRUST ME by TM Logan

The king of the fast-paced thriller is back! I barely paused for breath as I raced through this tense drama that begins with a woman being asked to look after a baby on a train – only for the mother to vanish. When she looks in the baby’s things, she finds a note that says: ‘Please protect Mia. Don’t trust the police. Don’t trust anyone.’ A book that demands to be read in one sitting.

LOVE READING?

Join GH’S online book club

Each month, we pick a book for members to read and discuss together. It’s free to join and there’ll also be lots of book chat, reviews, exclusive short stories, interviews with authors and book giveaways. The novel for this month is All The Lonely People by Mike Gayle. Join in with the conversation; find us at facebook.com/groups/Goodhousekeepingbookroom