The second July instalment begins in one of my favourite cities where I’d love to be right now thanks to a houseful of builders, no kitchen and basic bathroom facilities. It will all be worth it in the end; at least that’s what I keep telling myself. Bea Setton’s Berlin is about a young woman who’s fled London leaving a trail of emotional fallout behind her, planning a fresh start in a city that seems to promise so much. Daphne’s never far from a drama: she’s stalked by a man she meets at a party; a brick is thrown through her apartment window; she collapses in the local corner shop and is taken to hospital. Not too far into the novel it’s clear that she’s a deeply unreliable narrator, always the best kind. Review soon…
I still haven’t got around to Jessica Andrews’ Saltwater despite a copy patiently waiting in my TBR for quite some time, leap frogging
to her first novel, Milk Teeth, instead, attracted by its billing as ‘a love story set across England, France and Spain’. A young woman embarks on a relationship which forces her to confront her difficult past. Moving from London to Barcelona, she’s on the brink of a new life but must decide what to bring of her old one with her. Review shortly…
Rebecca Waits’ I’m Sorry You Feel That Way has a cover sporting this year’s favourite image of a woman face down in apparent despair or weariness but I’m not going to let that put me off. It’s about Alice and Hanna, sisters brought up by a divisive mother and a largely absent father. Now grown up, they must deal with the usual disappointments and decide whether the damage done to their relationship as children is beyond repair. ‘A compelling domestic comedy about complex family dynamics, mental health and the intricacies of sibling relationships’ according to the publishers reminding me a little of Marie Aubert’s Grownups.
In Amanda Svensson’s wonderfully named A System So Magnificent it is Blinding a man reveals his affair when his
triplets are born in 1989. Over twenty years later, all three are scattered across the world engaged in unusual pursuits when news of their father’s disappearance reunites them. Then their mother tells them a long-kept secret that changes all their lives. ‘A joyful family saga about free will, forgiveness, and how we are interconnected’ says the blurb. Not entirely sure about this one but we could all use some joy right now, for sure.
July’s short fiction collection comprises novellas rather than stories. Bette Howland’s Things Come and Go features three pieces: ‘Birds of a Feather’ is a daughter’s story of her upbringing in a quarrelsome family; ‘The Old Wheeze’ explores the aftermath of a date at the ballet as a single mother returns to her gloomy apartment; ‘The Life You Gave Me’ sees a woman faced with her father’s illness and all it implies. Very much like the sound of all three. I remember Howland’s short stories being compared to Lucia Berlin’s when they were reissued last year.
That’s it for July’s new fiction. As ever, a click on a title will take you to a more detailed synopsis should you want to know more, and if you’d like to catch up with part one, it’s here. Paperbacks soon…
I’ve never been to Berlin but it sounds a fascinating city when explored in fiction (and nonfic). Bette Howland is available on NetGalley and I’ve been going through the usual motions of to click or not to click (especially considering how many I still have waiting)
I’ve read some excellent novels set in Berlin since I first visited it. I’ve spotted the Howland on NetGalley but, like you, I’m trying to igore it!
A great selection – I have the Wait (although haven’t read it yet) but Berlin really grabs me (for the same reason as you).
Hard to resist anything set in Berlin, isn’t it. I’d also recommend Emma Harding’s Friedrichstrasse 19 and Katja Oskamp’s Marzhan, Mon Amour if you haven’t come across tham already.
Sounds like you have a major remodelling project on your hands. We’re headed that way for our kitchen and bathroom a few years down the line, but first we have to figure out what we want and save up some more money for it. I might have been turned off by the cover of I’m Sorry You Feel That Way, but the description is enough for me to give it a try. I was sent Bette Howland’s memoir last year and still haven’t gotten to it. I didn’t realize she wrote stories and novellas too. I’ll look out for your review.
When you’re ready, I’d recommend having kitchen work done in the summer if you can. I’m so glad we decided to wait out the winter. It makes eating so much easier plus having all the doors/windows open more bearable.
That face down/to the wall motif is already feeling a tad tired to me!
Berlin and the triplets –maybe. Good concise reviews.
Thank you. I can certainly vouch for Berlin and hopes are high for the Svensson
Berlin is one of the books I’m most looking forward to reading this year and publication day is so close now.
And yes, what is with that cover design of women falling face first into walls, cakes or each other?! It’s truly bizarre and alienating.
Thoroughly recommend Berlin, Kath. You won’t be disappointed.
Sadly, I suspect there are more covers like that in the works. It seems to be this year’s motif.
I fell in love with Berlin when I spent new year’s eve there the year the wall came down. The atmosphere in the former East Berlin was electrifying as you can imagine. Went back there four years ago and what a change! Still buzzing though. So of course I want to read Berlin!
Having a kitchen and bathroom done at the same time is brave. I managed to be out of the country when we had our kitchen done so my husband bore the brunt of it. Poor guy was traumatised!
That must have been exciting, Karen. I’ve visited the city three times and would pack my bags and go again tomorrow, given the chance, and not just because of the builders! Not much choice with the timing of the renovations, thanks to the pandemic, but at least it will all be out of the way in one fell swoop.
It was exciting though a little daunting because the Germans celebrate by throwing fireworks around. Definitely memorable though
What is it with all the face planting women on covers this year? I’m not a fan. I hope the building work is over soon Susan – it’s definitely worth it but such a nightmare while it’s happening!
I know! That motif is everywhere.
It is, indeed! Currently washing up in what’s left of the bathroom. We’ve been told the worst should be over by the end of Monday, though.