Book news, reviews and recommendations
The first part of April’s paperback preview began with one of last year’s favourites as does the second. Ex-bookseller Alice Slater’s Death of a Bookseller took me so vividly back to my own bookselling days I felt I’d been restocking the shelves only yesterday. Set during the run up to Christmas, Slater’s hugely enjoyable novel […]
Paperbacks to Look Out For in April 2024: Part Two Read More »
Not my favourite prize but I seem unable to resist putting together a wish list for the Booker, quite possibly because I know very few will be fulfilled but I’m keen to give some more neglected titles an airing even though they’re unlikely to have been nominated let alone make the judges’ grade. To be
My 2023 Booker Wish List Read More »
Michael Magee’s Close to Home first caught my eye on Twitter, partly thanks to that quietly striking cover, partly lots of people whose opinions I trust impressed by it. Drawing on his own experience, Magee’s debut follows Sean from his squalid Belfast flat the night after a bender has seen him assault a guy at
Close to Home by Michael Magee: ‘There’s a lot you don’t know, son’ Read More »
This first instalment of April goodies includes several I’ve already read, one of which had me remembering my old bookselling days. I’m starting with the new one from an author whose novels I would’ve been happily recommending to all and sundry had they been published back then. I’d enjoyed both Harmless Like You and Starling
Books to Look Out For in April 2023: Part One Read More »