REVIEWS MEN WHO HATE WOMEN

FICTION JUST LIKE YOU

by Nick Hornby,Viking, £16.99 (ebook £9.99) HHHH H JUST Like You is another classic romcom from the brilliantly observational Nick Hornby. Set in London just before the Brexit referendum, it negotiates the subjects of race, politics, relationships, ageism, class and families.

Despite the weighty themes, it’s an easy, light-hearted read – a will-they-won’t-they tale centred around a white, 41-year-old teacher called Lucy and a black, part-time butcher called Joseph, who is almost half Lucy’s age. There’s infidelity, racism, an alcoholic ex and a mother who’s unbelievably hard work.

The chapters are broken down into seasons, and you’ll eat up the pages in no time at all, envisaging every character and scenario in vivid colour, thanks to Hornby’s gorgeously descriptive prose.

Like many he’s written, there’s no doubt this could be made into a

film – but the script might need a more satisfying ending.

PIZZA GIRL

by Jean Kyoung Frazier, £12.99 (ebook £5.99)

PIZZA GIRL follows Jane, a pregnant 18-year-old, pizza shop employee grappling with the death of an alcoholic dad, whose behaviour she can’t help but copy. Her life is upended

when she develops an unlikely obsession with 39-year-old Jenny.

It’s a desperately sad picture of a lonely young woman who feels motherhood is about to be thrust upon her, and is dealing with her emotions by blocking out those who love her and indulging in self destructive behaviour. Frazier’s style is at its best when describing the customers, but less convincing when it comes to her heroine’s personal life. You’re left unsatisfied, but this may well be Frazier’s point. by Laura Bates, Simon & Schuster, £16.99 (ebook £8.99).

HHHH H

THE woman who shone a light on everyday sexism with her 2014 book of the same name has turned her attention to the ‘manosphere’.

In this expose Bates goes undercover to lay bare the various communities of men with extremist, misogynist views, who she believes pose an increasing threat to women’s safety and wellbeing. From pick-up artists to so-called incels (involuntary celibates), Bates unpicks the ways these groups are intensifying their beliefs and luring recruits into the fold.

She also explores the link between the psychology behind domestic violence, and terrorist atrocities. An illuminating read.