My book of the month

My Monticello

Johnson (Harvill Secker, £12.99)

Sometimes I know instantly that a book is for me – and this was one. When a diverse neighbourhood in Charlottesville is attacked by white supremacists, the inhabitants take refuge in Thomas Jefferson’s plantation house, Monticello. With a simmering fear between them, they must decide to fight or flee. This is a powerful and beautiful read. 4 November