Category: Fiction – Contemporary & Literary
-
Review – Necessary Fiction – Eloghosa Osunde
A beautiful group of stories and characters that shows us what it means to be queer in Nigeria today. One of the most beautiful and quotable books I’ve read this year.
-
Review: Black Cake – Charmaine Wilkerson
A novel of uncovered family secrets and the lengths people go to for survival. I enjoyed the premise of this one, there was a lot going on and lots of twines to unravel.
-
Review: As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow
Layla feels like she can’t leave Syria while she can still be of use in the hospital, but the revolution is getting closer and it’s only a matter of time… A devastating story of revolution and the hope that can blossom in the darkest of times.
-
Review: The Hate U Give – Angie Thomas
After Star witness the murder of her friend, she’s called to be a witness and the importance of using her voice becomes apparent. I mean, how do I even review this book? It’s a modern classic!
-
Review: Mongrel – Hanako Footman
Three women, three tales of identity and belonging. A stunning novel that has me hoping Footman will be writing for years to come.
-
Review: The Girl With the Louding Voice – Abi Daré
Adunni just wants to finish her education, but life has never dealt her the fairest hand. This is beautifully written with distressing but necessary topics, a modern classic.
-
Review: All the Tomorrows After – Joanne Yi
Winter is on her way out, she has a plan, but plans get upended and life never quite works out the way she expects. Utterly stunning and heart-breaking, perfect for those that love to feel everything in a book.
-
Review: Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley
Fleeing from your past will always catch up with you, but never in the way Lucy expected. Boulley’s best work to date and a brilliant return to Sugar Island.
-
Review: Homegoing – Yaa Gyasi
A story of racism and colonialism that passes through generations, quite literally. An exquisite piece of writing that everyone needs to read.
-
Review: Good Intentions – Kasim Ali
A novel centred around endearing characters with good intentions but none of the follow through. A brilliantly written piece with important coverage on mental health, well worth a read.
-
Review: Fundamentally – Nussaibah Younis
An eclectic team attempt a deradicalisation of ISIS brides, this is filled with love, humanity and plenty of humour. The hype around this book was absolutely well deserved, everyone needs to read this.
-
Review: Sunstruck – William Rayfet Hunter
Messy families and relationships are centred in this novel, mixed in with class and race too. A dazzling debut and one that you absolutely need to pick up this summer.
-
Review: Behind You is the Sea – Susan Muaddi Darraj
A collection of short stories that links three Palestinian families, all of whom have immigrated to America. A brilliant read full of love and despair.
-
Review: Disappoint Me – Nicola Dinan
How easily can we put our past behind us, especially when it could harm those we love? Dinan is one of the literary legends of our age, don’t miss out on this.
-
Review: No Small Thing – Orlaine McDonald
Multiple generations under one roof and problems with men, this multiple POV story will have you gripped. One of my favourite books from last year, you need to read this.
-
Review – Overspill – Charlotte Paradise
Sara meets Miles and it feels like that for the first time a happy relationship might just be possible, but trauma is never far behind. This is slow and meaningful and truly tender.
-
Review – All My Rage – Sabaa Tahir
A story of difficult and disruptive families, found families and strained friendships. This is a heartbreaker and absolutely one to read.
The Bookish Mindset 