The Summer Job by Lizzy Dent
If you want pure unadulterated escapism, this is definitely the book for you. The Summer Job focuses on Birdy, who is not happy in her life and decides to snag a job by impersonating someone else. Featuring romance, beautiful locations and an upbeat plot, this is the perfect holiday read, and will be available in paperback on 15th April. ★★★
The story follows Sentaro, a man haunted by his past and stuck between his passionless job and empty evenings of drinking. When Tokue, an elderly, disabled woman, applies for a job at the tiny confectionery shop he works at, the beginnings of an unlikely friendship begin to merge. This is such a lovely, sweet read, and perfect if you are looking for an easy page turner with a hint of the philosophical. ★★★
Keeper by Jessica Moor
When Katie Straw’s body is pulled from the waters of a local suicide spot, the police decide it's an open-and-shut case, but the residents of Widringham women's refuge suspect something more sinister. The narrative is a real deep dive into domestic abuse, weaving in and out of the lives of the women at the refuge. ★★★
The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa
For anyone who saw my other review - you will know this one had me in tears. This is from a few different perspectives including Nana the cat. Nana the cat goes on a road trip with his owner and doesn’t know where to or why. Initially upon reading I pegged this as a light, simplistic read sharing the joys of having a cat - but by the midway point it quickly turns into a heartbreaking tale of love, loss and companionship, and is such a beautiful read. ★★★★
Shrill by Lindy West
I loved the BBC adaptation and couldn't wait to read this collection of notes. It’s all about Lindy finding her voice and taking ownership of her body, and discusses topics such as fatphobia, misogyny, rape culture and accountability on the internet. ★★★★
Our Little Cruelties by Liz Nugent
This is about three brothers who are competitive since birth, and one of them ends up dead. We go backwards and forwards in time visiting experiences in their lives which shape their characters. This is definitely a heavier read, and it’s impossible to stay neutral as you flit between each of their perspectives. ★★★
Beautifully written (and fully deserving of the booker prize!) but a little on the heavy side for me. It’s such a raw and candid depiction of alcoholism, mental health and abuse, whilst also providing a fantastic social commentary on Thatcherism and mass unemployment. ★★★★
Rainbow Milk by Paul Mendez
This semi-autobiographical
account follows our main protagonist Jesse, a Johovah’s Witness who is
ultimately outed for his sexuality and rejected from his religious
community. This is a real coming of age story, with Jesse forced to form
a new life and identity. I really enjoyed this one and can’t wait to
see what he publishes next. ★★★★
_
Have you read any of these, and if you have did you enjoy them?
No comments
Post a Comment