Non-fiction

every New Year’s Eve, when they can express their secret desires, forbidden loves, and transgressive thoughts. Funny, affectionate, startling, even shocking, they share things we may think, but can only say to our closest confidantes.

The umbrella of the ladies’ church connection adds another dimension to this well-crafted collection of stories, the all-pervading sense that someone else – God perhaps – is listening. publishes an essay about a sexual awakening she had with her teenage best friend, the ex-friend gets in touch to say she doesn’t remember it the same way – threatening to topple everything Samantha has built.

It’s a cleverly constructed story, told from Samantha’s perspective, so we’re initially on her side – only to realise how insidious her actions are, and the darkness that lies within.

THIS IS NOT A PITY MEMOIR

by Abi Morgan, John Murray Press, priced £12.99, ebook £8.49

Pity aside, it’s impossible not to feel a huge amount of sympathy for Abi Morgan, whose long-term partner, actor Jacob Krichefski, collapses and is put into an induced coma after complications caused by a drug used to treat his multiple sclerosis.

When he wakes, months later, Krichefski suffers a rare psychological condition that puts an immense strain on their relationship, and Morgan receives a devastating diagnosis of her own. Morgan doesn’t pull any punches, describing with unflinching honesty the anger and resentment that bubbles up during some of her darkest moments. It makes for a captivating, heartbreaking, but ultimately hopeful read.