The Standing Chandelier

Lionel Shriver The Borough Press €12.60

Shriver has made her name anatomising the least palatable aspects of human society, and this rapier-like novella finds her on wickedly fine form. It’s told from the alternating perspectives of Jillian Frick – a curvy, big-haired dilettante who’s a little like Marmite – and passive techie Weston ‘Baba’ Babansky. Frick and Baba, as they’re known to each other, have been best friends for more than 20 years. They’re also ex-lovers and current tennis partners, but when Baba finally gets serious about a girlfriend, the stage is set for a no-holds-barred investigation into friendship and animosity. At its sharpest, it’s downright Austen-esque.