This month’s 10 books to read right now!
RESIDENT BOOKWORM JOANNE FINNEY PICKS HER FAVOURITE READS, FROM LITERARY GEMS TO GRIPPING FAMILY DRAMAS Book of the month
OLD GOD’S TIME by Sebastian Barry
One of my favourite writers returns with a meditation on ageing and forgiveness. Widowed former policeman Tom looks back on his career, marriage and parenthood and the wrongs and abuses that were done to him in his childhood. The richness of the language and the way the reader is completely immersed in Tom’s thoughts makes this an intense but rewarding read.
Engaging read NOTHING SPECIAL by Nicole Flattery
When 17-year-old Mae drops out of school and finds a job as a typist at Andy Warhol’s Factory, it plunges her into a counter-culture world where the friendships she makes with the other young women in the pop artist’s circle are life-changing. A riveting read about fame, myth-making and finding your own identity.
Historical fiction LADY MACBETHAD by Isabelle Schuler
This prequel to Macbeth tells the story of Gruoch – the real Scottish queen who inspired Shakespeare’s character Lady Macbeth – from her early years to life on the throne. Love, lust, revenge, power – this completely mesmerising historical debut has it all.
Tender love story IN MEMORIAM by Alice Winn
Teenagers Henry and Sidney meet at boarding school in 1914 and, despite their tender ages, are sent to the front to fight, their love for each other unexpressed. First love, class, male camaraderie and the horrors of war are all explored in this quietly heartbreaking epic with the unforgettable appeal of Birdsong.
Heartbreak and hope IF I LET YOU GO by Charlotte Levin
Levin’s debut If I Can’t Have You was a must-read and this new book is just as addictive. Janet has never forgiven herself for an accident that happened 11 years ago. Then one night, she rescues a child from a train crash and the incident offers her a chance at redemption – but Janet’s story isn’t what it first appears to be.
Mesmerising writing ALL THE LITTLE BIRD-HEARTS by Viktoria Lloyd-barlow
Sunday Forrester still lives in the house she grew up in and keeps her life small and manageable, just as she likes it. Then glamorous new neighbours Vita and Rollo open up her world – but things turn sinister when they begin to take an interest in Sunday’s 16-year-old daughter Dolly. I was drawn in by the lyrical writing and stayed for the growing tension.
Tearjerker ONE MOMENT by Becky Hunter
When Scarlett is killed in an accident, she is stuck in limbo watching over her friends and family, unable to intervene. This emotional read about friendship, love and loss is touching and relatable with an unexpected ending that leaves you reeling.
New talent ROOTLESS by Krystle Zara Appiah
An unplanned pregnancy forces Ghanaian-british couple Efe and Sam to confront their conflicting ideas about parenthood in this poignant novel from a debut author who is one to watch.
Gripping thriller STRANGE SALLY DIAMOND by Liz Nugent
I couldn’t stop reading this dark thriller about a fortysomething woman who comes to the slow realisation that something terrible in her past has been hidden from her all her life by her adoptive parents. Spine-tingling stuff!
Uplifting non-fiction ENCHANTMENT by Katherine May
What a wonderful read! I adored May’s book Wintering, about the importance of fallow periods in life. This memoir examines how to gain peace in our overwhelmed lives and reconnect with that feeling of wonder we had as children. Turn to page 38 for some of Katherine’s advice.
LOVE READING? Join GH’S online book club
Each month, we pick a book for members to read and discuss together. It’s free to join and there’ll also be lots of book chat, reviews, exclusive short stories, interviews with authors and book giveaways. This month’s book is I’m Sorry You Feel That Way by Rebecca Wait. To join in the conversation, find us at facebook.com/groups/ Goodhousekeepingbookroom