I’m starting off the first instalment of May’s fiction with two novels I’ve already read the first of which is Catherine Chidgey’s The Book of Guilt. Largely set 
in an alternate version of 1979, close to reality but unsettlingly different, it follows a set of thirteen-year-old triplets living in a children’s home in the New Forest, part of the Sycamore Project to be wound down under the new government. They’ve been told their parents both died young from heart attacks, obediently accepting their daily medicine, recounting their dreams and attending lessons based on the Book of Knowledge. Brought up in isolation, they’re polite and well behaved, treated with disdain on rare visits to the local town, comments that make no sense to them muttered as they pass. There’s a lot of darkness in Chidgey’s novel which asks questions about nature and nurture, what makes us human, and the ethics of research all wrapped up in a gripping piece of storytelling. Review soon…
Anna Hope’s Albion spans five days as the Brooke family bury the man who has wielded so much influence over their lives. Frannie and her father established the Albion Project a decade ago, rewilding their Sussex estate. Before his death, Philip had promised his son enough land to establish a centre for the psilocybin therapy Milo believed had cured his own addiction. While Frannie and Milo wrangle over the estate’s precarious finances, the daughter of one of Philip’s many lovers has decided to attend his funeral and is about to drop a bombshell. Hope explores class, privilege, climate change and colonialism, deftly weaving her message about the foundation of wealth and where it comes from through an absorbing story. I found the ending a bit too neat and tidy, but it does leave readers with hope. Review shortly…
John Boyne’s novella series has explored the theme of abuse from different perspectives with sensitivity and compassion. In Air, the final instalment, Aaron Umber and his fourteen-year-old son are travelling across the world towards a woman who is unaware of their intended visit. Aaron’s life has been marked by his childhood trauma which has threatened to drive a wedge between himself and his son. He’s determined to be a better father, aware that his trip will either bring them closer or drive them further apart. Very much looking forward to this one. I’ve been impressed with Water, Earth and Fire, the first three in the series.
I’m not so sure about Saba Sams’s Gunk but her short story collection, Send Nudes, was much praised. Jules still works in the eponymous club, owned by her ex-husband and frequented by students with whom he likes to flirt. She becomes enchanted with nineteen-year-old Nim, taken on by Leon to help at the bar, drawn into an intimate, complicated relationship until Nim announces she’s pregnant then disappears a day after giving birth leaving Jules with the baby. ‘Raw, exhilarating, tender and wise, Gunk is an electrifying debut novel exploring love and desire, safety and destruction, chaos and control – and family in all its forms’ say the publishers.
Elaine Feeney’s Let Me Go Mad in My Own Way sees a woman returning to Ireland to care for her dying father after breaking up with her partner. When he turns up, having taken a new job close by, she wonders if he’s there for her or for himself while she contends with difficult family memories which have come back to haunt her. ‘Let Me Go Mad in My Own Way is a story of love and resilience, rich with history and drama, and the legacies of violence and redemption. As the secrets of the past are revealed, Claire must confront whether she can escape her history to make a future for herself – and whether finding yourself means facing yourself too’ according to the publishers. Not entirely sure about this one, either, but I’ve been won over by several of my favourite Irish writers praising it to the skies.
That’s it for May’s first batch of new fiction. As ever, a click on a title will take you to a more detailed synopsis for any that take you fancy. Part two soon…
Well, I loved How to Build a Boat, which predisposes me towards the Feeney. A new Chidgey is genrally something to look forward to, and I definitely want to get my hands on Air, if only to see how Boyne links to his previously introduced characters.
That’s encouraging re the Feeney, and the Chdgey is excellent. Definitely keen to get my hands on Air. That series was quite a departure for Boyne but it’s worked very well.
My very short, negative review of Anna Hope’s Expectation is, hilariously, far and away my most popular Goodreads review, but I did appreciate her writing before that one, so I will consider Albion.
Ha! Some of my most popular posts on here are visited by readers wanting endings explained, something I would never do.
I like the sound of the Chidgey—and she seems to be one of those persistently underestimated authors who keeps publishing good books and turning up on prize longlists. The last thing I read by Hope really put me off, though; it was The White Rock, which was a great example of a book that’s well written and engaging and absolutely doesn’t need to exist.
I’m expecting this one to be longlisted for a few awards, too. I’ve not read The White Rock and it sounds like I haven’t missed much.
I really like the sound of The Book of Guilt (I’m a sucker for an alternate reality!).
I was very impressed by the Chidgey. I think you’ll enjoy it, Cathy.
The Chidgey sounds interesting, and I agree with Eleanor that she seems to be persistently underestimated as an author. (Not that I’ve read much by her, ironically enough!)
It’s written from the perspective of one of the children, always tricky but Chidgey carries it off well. I’d like to see it on the Booker longlist at least.
Admittedly I know nothing of club culture, but calling one Gunk sounds horrendous! I’m very tempted by the Chidgey – looking forward to your review 🙂
I know! I’m quite attracted by the storyline but that title is distinctly off-putting. The Chidgey is a dark treat!
Two good Irish writers on your list. I haven’t read any of John Boyne’s interlinked quartet yet, but I do love his work. He is quite prolific. The Chidgey appeals also, an interesting storyline.
He is, isn’t he. This series is quite a departure for him but it’s worked very well. The Chidgey is excellent – very dark.
Albion appeals for its rewilding elements.
Some lovely descriptions of the natural world in that one.
Hi Susan
We like John Boyne’s style and look forward to ‘Air’.
We could read parts of Elaine Feeney’s book. We didn’t like it.
Thanks for your little reviews
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
You’re welcome!
I loved Elaine Feeney’s previous novel, so I’m not sure I can resist this one. Not that the others don’t appeal, but the downside of reading more backlisted books this year is reading fewer new books…math. /sigh
Bookish swings and roundabouts!
I’m interested in Anna Hope’s book – she’s an author I’ve long been meaning to read, and I’m intrigued by the premise. The Book of Guilt sounds like a 21st century remake (even if based in the 70s) of John Wyndham’s The Midwich Cuckoos, which I read with Mr Litlove for the first time a couple of years ago. I’m still not sure quite what I felt about that novel, to be honest! I also began Elaine Feeney’s How to Build a Boat a few weeks’ back but haven’t returned to it for a while, not entirely seduced by the writing. But I would like to give it another go as I’m not very far in. As you say, she gets a lot of love so I feel it’s me who’s missing something!
I remember being terrified by The Midwich Cuckoos. I was quite young when I read it and the TV adaptation was even more unnerving! Without saying too much, The Book of Guilt has an interesting and unexpected twist. I enjoyed the Hope – quite different from her previous novels.