Book news, reviews and recommendations
June’s first instalment of paperbacks begins with three novels about which I had my doubts although after reading the first, it ended up on my books of 2022 list. I should have had more faith in Miriam Toews’ ability to overcome the pitfalls of child narration, something I usually avoid like the plague. Fight Night […]
Paperbacks to Look Out For in June 2023: Part One Read More »
I still haven’t got around to reading Jessica Andrews’ debut, Saltwater, leapfrogging over the copy on my TBR to read her new novel. Milk Teeth follows an unnamed young woman, restless and unable to define quite what she wants from life, who falls in love with a man who seems to want her as much
Milk Teeth by Jessica Andrews: ‘I want everything’ Read More »
Not my favourite prize – sadly one of those bit the dust earlier this year when Costa withdrew their sponsorship – but I can’t resist posting some wishes for the Booker longlist, keen to give some more neglected titles an airing even though they’re unlikely to make the judges’ grade. To be eligible for the
My 2022 Booker Wish List Read More »
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
Books to Look Out For in July 2022: Part Two Read More »
Unlike the first part of April’s paperback preview, I’ve read none of the following six titles. I’ll begin with the one that tempts me most – Matias Faldbakken’s The Waiter set in Oslo where the eponymous waiter works at the city’s grandest restaurant. Our waiter knows his clientele well, tending to their every whim while
Paperbacks to Look Out For in April 2020: Part Two Read More »
April was a wee bit light on new titles for me, making up for it with a plethora of paperbacks to keep an eye on. In contrast May sees me spoilt for choice with a very attempting array of new novels on offer beginning with Jessica Andrews’ debut, Saltwater, which follows a young woman from
Books to Look Out for in May 2019: Part One Read More »