An author’s debut novel is Kate McLeod’s favourite international read of the year, and Catherine Robertson reviews a humorous fantasy.

All This Could Be Different by Sarah Thankam Mathews Orion (RRP $38)

If you’re tired of literary fiction filled with frustrating young people who can’t communicate with one another, I’d like to suggest an antidote: All This Could Be Different, the gorgeous debut novel by Sarah Thankam Mathews.

This nuanced queer immigrant story subverts the coming-of-age genre through the growth of its characters, initially callous and judgmental, who learn to be kinder and happier people through their connections with each other.

It follows Sneha, an Indian immigrant working in her precarious first corporate job in Milwaukee, as she navigates relationships with friends, family and lovers, and attempts to relinquish her self-sabotaging perfectionism.

It’s funny and incisive, filled with lush food and sex writing. Easily my favourite international read of the year, it warmed my collectivist heart and left me feeling hopeful and expansive. – Kate McLeod

Tarquin the Honest by Gareth Ward Bateman NZ (RRP $35)

Tarquin the Honest: The Hand of Glodd is the first adult novel by Gareth Ward, who has written several award-winning books for young readers.

It’s humorous fantasy, and it is extremely funny with some crackingly well-crafted lines.

Tarquin is a capable wizard, but a truly terrible person.

As the back cover says: he is a liar, coward, charlatan and cheat and those are his most endearing qualities.

His usual greeting is ‘‘My exploits are legend, perhaps you’ve heard of me?’’ to which the answer is always ‘‘No’’.

You do require some affinity with fantasy to appreciate it but it’s not hard to attune yourself to the world. Failings are failings whether you’re human, dwarf or half-orc barbarian.

If you’re looking for an imaginative, fast-paced tale that will make you laugh so hard you’ll spit your warm ale out your nose, then Tarquin the Honest is your guy. – Catherine Robertson