I am currently reading In Bloom by Eva Verde and absolutely adoring it. It's been a while since I've felt like this about a novel. The book "tells of strength, survival, forgiveness, resilience and determination, and the fierce love and unbreakable bonds between mothers and daughters."
The writing, the characters, the settlings (Essex) just glitter off the page. They are so real and I'll be bereft when I have to leave them.
Love these recommendations, thank you Sam. Several now reserved at my local library!
Thanks for the recs, Sam, gratuitous photo of Keanu reading appreciated. I’ve got All Fours on pre-order. Currently reading: “Goodbye To All That: Writers on Loving and Leaving New York” edited by Sari Botton, (I’m a native New Yorker who left Manhattan after decades and now live in Chicago, but these essays will resonate for all who have, or are considering, taking a leap of faith and going someplace new.)
Brilliant recommendations - thank you. Am intrigued by All Fours and excited for the new David Nicholls. I spotted The Divorcees in Mr B's - might have to treat myself! Also looking forward to Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors and Experienced by Kate Young.
Ooo thank you so much for this piece! You’ve just reminded me that I want to read ‘James’ as I’ve just finished ‘Demon Copperhead’ by Barbara Kingsolver which is, similarly, reimagining a classic. Highly highly highly recommend!
My recent great read is Brotherless Night by V V Ganeshananthan. Wow! Page turner and I learnt about an important part of history that previously had passed me by
I cannot WAIT to read All Fours
I was about to leave this exact comment. Upper case and everything.
Ohmigod. You are going to LOVE it.
I am currently reading In Bloom by Eva Verde and absolutely adoring it. It's been a while since I've felt like this about a novel. The book "tells of strength, survival, forgiveness, resilience and determination, and the fierce love and unbreakable bonds between mothers and daughters."
The writing, the characters, the settlings (Essex) just glitter off the page. They are so real and I'll be bereft when I have to leave them.
Love these recommendations, thank you Sam. Several now reserved at my local library!
Ooh, I haven’t heard of that. I’ll check it out.
Definitely do! Eva also has another novel which is brilliant called Lives Like Mine
Thanks for the recs, Sam, gratuitous photo of Keanu reading appreciated. I’ve got All Fours on pre-order. Currently reading: “Goodbye To All That: Writers on Loving and Leaving New York” edited by Sari Botton, (I’m a native New Yorker who left Manhattan after decades and now live in Chicago, but these essays will resonate for all who have, or are considering, taking a leap of faith and going someplace new.)
Ooh, I'll investigate that. Not quite the same, I bailed on London for Edinburgh and never looked back.
Brilliant recommendations - thank you. Am intrigued by All Fours and excited for the new David Nicholls. I spotted The Divorcees in Mr B's - might have to treat myself! Also looking forward to Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors and Experienced by Kate Young.
Ooh yes, I'm looking forward to Blue Sisters too but haven't got my mitts on it yet.
Really looking forward to reading House of Mirrors. Oh and thanks for the Keanu pic 😍
You’re welcome!
All Fours is going straight onto my list. Thanks for these recs.
Thank you! Brilliant recs as ever. All Fours now top of my list.xx
You will love 💯
Ooo thank you so much for this piece! You’ve just reminded me that I want to read ‘James’ as I’ve just finished ‘Demon Copperhead’ by Barbara Kingsolver which is, similarly, reimagining a classic. Highly highly highly recommend!
DemonnCopoerhead is fantastic! I interviewed Barbara Kingsolver for the podcast - you might like it https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-shift-on-life-after-40-with-sam-baker/id1527442768?i=1000617075492
Enlightenment is outstanding - I read an early copy and would HARD recommend.
Been seeing lots of recs for James recently and as a Brit/American mongrel who did grow up with Huck Finn, I’m excited for it.
It’s wonderful - as someone who kinda read it about ten and didn’t get it.
Great sounding recommendations Sam.
My recent great read is Brotherless Night by V V Ganeshananthan. Wow! Page turner and I learnt about an important part of history that previously had passed me by
This is the first year in a long time I haven’t read a single one of the women’s prize shortlist. Brotherless Night is top of my list
Thank you for your generosity of sharing your favourites!