Storytime
The Perfect Family by Robyn Harding, Simon & Schuster
A sensational ride with a family, each member hiding compromising secrets. In the prologue we see the Adler house at night, as a hooded figure drops a gas bomb in their front shrubs. This family has “done terrible things,” says the culprit. The harassment began with eggs hurled at their BMW. Interior designer (kleptomaniac) mum Viv stole a client’s lipstick from her handbag; her booty hosiery drawer has a false bottom. Photos reveal real estate agent (naïve) dad Thomas behaving “abhorrently” at a bachelor party. Eli quit college because of the hazing. Snarky sis Tarryn, 17, has a “[webcam] community” who “adore me and pay for my company.”
The Other Black Girl Zakiya by Dalila Harris, Bloomsbury
This debut thriller is already winning accolades with TV rights optioned and it’s no wonder. Here is a new voice in the ‘unmasking racism’ space and it’s fun, provocative and compelling.
Nella Rogers, 26, is an editorial assistant at a book publishing company and despite her background – daughter of a college dean – and her ambition, she faces discrimination with her white peers advancing as she stays still. Delighted when a second black employee, Hazel, joins, Nella thinks things are looking up until events propel Hazel up the ladder. Could her new colleague actually be plotting against her or is there something else going on?
Yours Cheerfully A J Pearce, by Picador
It’s 1941 and war is in full throttle. Henrietta Bird, the formidable editress (and agony aunt) of Woman’s
Friend magazine has left, replaced by Mr Collins. Emmy has been working as a junior, opening readers’ letters, whilst also doing her voluntary Fire Service telephonist job. Collins plucks proud production editor Mrs Mahoney, mother of four, as the new agony aunt. Emmy can jot down her advice and write the column called Yours Cheerfully … Woman’s Friend is here to help. Mr Collins shouts half a crown and the team celebrates with a round of buns. Rousing, nostalgic, but importantly a salute to women’s resilience in the toughest of times.