Contemporary Fiction Books

Book SynopsisGives us a horrifying glimpse of an alternative world - one where the Allies have lost the Second World War.

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Book SynopsisOne rainy afternoon in Istanbul, a woman walks into a doctor''s surgery. ''I need to have an abortion'', she announces. She is nineteen years old and unmarried. What happens that afternoon will change her life.Twenty years later, Asya Kazanci lives with her extended family in Istanbul. Due to a mysterious family curse, all the Kaznci men die in their early forties, so it is a house of women, among them Asya''s beautiful, rebellious mother Zeliha, who runs a tattoo parlour; Banu, who has newly discovered herself as clairvoyant; and Feride, a hypochondriac obsessed with impending disaster. And when Asya''s Armenian-American cousin Armanoush comes to stay, long hidden family secrets connected with Turkey''s turbulent past begin to emerge.''Wonderfully magical, incredible, breathtaking...will have you gasping with disbelief in the last few pages'' Sunday Express''A beautiful book, the finest I have read about Turkey'' Irish Times''Heartbreaking...the beauty of Islam pervades Shafak''s book'' VogueTrade ReviewA brave and passionate novel * Paul Theroux *Tremendous exuberance . . . I do like a writer with a purpose * Margaret Forster *An astonishingly rich and lively story … handled with an enchantingly light touch' Kirkus Reviews Overflows with a kitchen sink's worth of zany characters … an entertaining and insightful ensemble novel that posits the universality of family, culture and coincidence -- (starred review) * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisA National Book Award Finalist: This ''wonderfully descriptive'' novel from an author with a ''tremendous imagination'' tells the unforgettable story of the Binewskis, a carny family whose mater- and paterfamilias have bred their own exhibit of human oddities. (The New York Times Book Review)The Binewskis arex a circus-geek family whose matriarch and patriarch have bred their own exhibit of human oddities (with the help of amphetamine, arsenic, and radioisotopes). Their offspring include Arturo the Aquaboy, who has flippers for limbs and a megalomaniac ambition worthy of Genghis Khan, Iphy and Elly, the lissome Siamese twins, albino hunchback Oly, and the outwardly normal Chick, whose mysterious gifts make him the family''s most precious - and dangerous - asset. As the Binewskis take their act across the backwaters of the US, inspiring fanatical devotion and murderous revulsion; as its members conduct their own MachiavTrade ReviewI felt electrocuted when I read that first page with Crystal Lil and her freak brood. I stood there in the bookstore and my jaw came unhinged. No book I've read, before or since, has given me that specific jolt * Karen Russell, author of Swamplandia *The most romantic novel about love and family I have read. It made me ashamed to be so utterly normal -- Terry GilliamRiveting and extremely well-crafted. There's a real philosophy behind it where it actually touches on the profound. * Margaret Forster *If Flannery O'Connor had consumed vast quantities of LSD, she might have written like this * Literary Review *A Fellini movie in ink...Geek Love throws a punch * San Francisco Chronicle *Like most great novels, this one keeps the reader marveling at the daring of the author * Philadelphia Inquirer *Unrelentingly bizarre . . .perverse but riveting . . . Will keep you turning the pages * Chicago Tribune *This audacious, mesmerizing novel should carry a warning: ``Reader Beware.'' Those entering the world of carnival freaks described by narrator Olympia Binewski, a bald, humpbacked albino dwarf, will find no escape from a story at once engrossing and repellent, funny and terrifying, unreal and true to human nature. Dunn's vivid, energetic prose, her soaring imagination and assured narrative skill fuse to produce an unforgettable tale * Publishers Weekly *If Flannery O'Connor has consumed vast quantities of LSD, she might have written like this. * LITERARY REVIEW *A book of bizarre and brutal beauty, guaranteed to wring from you horror and heartbreak by turns... * COMPANY *Riveting and extremely well-crafted. There's a real philosophy behind it where it actually touches on the profound. * MARGARET FORSTER *A novel that everyone will be talking about, a brilliant, suspenseful, heartbreaking tour de force. * PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY *

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Book SynopsisThe third Jackson Brodie novel, winner of Richard & Judy's Best Read: literary crime from the number-one bestselling author of Big Sky and Transcription.'An exhilarating read.Trade ReviewBy becoming a crime writer she has - in a way that other "literary" types may wish to note - become a better literary writer than ever: funny, bracingly intelligent and delightfully prickly . . . Kate Atkinson is that rarest of beasts, a genuinely surprising novelist * Guardian *Atkinson's genius is her sure control of plot . . . immaculately - even lovingly - paced, and it is a measure of Atkinson's talent that I read it in one sitting. * Sunday Telegraph *'An exhilarating read. Her wry humour, sharp eye for the quirks of human behaviour and subtle characterisation are a constant joy...with writing of this quality, there is good news on every page' * Daily Mail *An intricately crafted tale of coincidence and fate, love and longing. From the get-go, Atkinson's pitch-perfect ear for dialogue is apparent ' * Independent *'A masterclass in plot daring, an extended riff on coincidence, and a piercing evocation of love and loss in many forms. One of the fiercest, funniest, most affecting reads of the year' * Guardian *'Atkinson's world is full of bizarre accidents and meaningless murders, but she celebrates love, laughter and literature so wholeheartedly that I cheered aloud...Everybody should read her' * Telegraph *'One of those rare fictions that defies categorisation.....contains startling moments of truth, and its insights into human nature are simply superb' * Sunday Times *The good news, of course, is that here is another Jackson Brodie thriller from the brilliant Kate Atkinson. The even better news is that . . . it's the most enthralling to date * Mirror *'Another faultless display by Kate Atkinson . . . Like the other titles in the Jackson Brodie series, this one plays with the tenets of the crime genre without ever sacrificing the essence of wit and nuance which make Atkinson's novels such jubilant reads' * Scotland on Sunday *'Unputdownable, Atkinson's books are like Agatha Christie mysteries that have burst at the seams-they're taut and intricate but also messy and funny and full of life' * Time *

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLERA RICHARD AND JUDY BOOKCLUB PICK''Utterly engrossing'' GuardianIt is wash-day for the housemaids at Longbourn House, and Sarah''s hands are chapped and raw. Domestic life below stairs, ruled with a tender heart and an iron will by Mrs Hill the housekeeper, is about to be disturbed by the arrival of a new footman, bearing secrets and the scent of the sea.What readers are saying:''A novel to be savoured''''Highly recommended''''Very enjoyable exploration of the background to Pride and Prejudice''Trade ReviewInspired...Baker has written an intoxicating love story but, also like Austen, the pleasure of her novel lies in its wit and fierce intelligence. Longbourn is a profound exploration of injustice, of poverty and dependence, of loyalty...a novel that contrives both to provoke the intellect and, ultimately, to stop the heart * Guardian *Jo Baker gives us the story from the servants' perspectives and pulls off the seemingly impossible: a completely fresh take on Jane Austen. Utterly engrossing. * Guardian *ONES TO WATCH Just enough Darcy to delight, as well as being a fascinating insight into the harsh working conditions of life in a grand house 200 years ago * Good Housekeeping *Debut novelist Jo Baker takes the reader on a journey back to a version of Regency England that is as much about poverty and war as social comedy and romance * Metro *This clever glimpse of Austen’s universe clouded by washday steam is so compelling it leaves you wanting to read the next chapter in the lives below stairs * Daily Express *GREAT READS: Pride and Prejudice reimagined as a mysterious manservant stirs up passions in the Bennet household both upstairs and down * Woman and Home *Captivating and delicious. A brilliantly imagined and lovingly told story about the wide world beyond the margins and outside the parlours of Pride and Prejudice * Maggie Shipstead, author of GREAT CIRCLE *The much-loved Pride and Prejudice is shaken up and given the grit that Jane Austen could never include - with great success * Evening Standard *A novelist with a gift for intimate and atmospheric storytelling * Financial Times *Superb... The lightest of touches by a highly accomplished young writer * Mail on Sunday *Some writers let you know you're in safe hands from the start, and Jo Baker is one of them. * Independent *Splendid...Baker’s imaginative leaps are stunningly well done both historically (the scenes set at the siege of Corunna are terrific) and emotionally...What a great film it will make (the rights sold early); the well-loved novel shaken up and given the grit which Jane Austen could never include. * Evening Standard *To twist something so familiar into something quite fresh is impressive…Baker takes ownership of this world without mimicking Austen’s style, asserting instead her own distinctive, authentic voice. Longbourn is not just nicely packaged fan fiction, or an Austenian Downton Abbey; it’s an engrossing tale we neither know nor expect. * Daily Telegraph *An Austen lover has the satisfaction of matching the novels chapter for chapter. Lovely. * Observer *Longbourn is a fantastic feat of imagination, unflinching in its portrayal of war and the limitations of life for a servant – a novel you will want to shelve with the original classics you plan to read again and again. * Psychologies *What bravery to take Pride And Prejudice as the springboard for a new novel! Bravery or, in the wrong hands, foolishness.However, in relating Jane Austen’s best-loved tale from the perspective of the Bennet family’s servants, Jo Baker takes a fresh angle on a story that millions of diehard fans know inside out. * Sunday Express *Her depiction of the brutal realities of army life - a world away from the jolly officers of Austen's novel - is particularly powerful. Indeed, a burning sense of injustice is palpable throughout the book ... Sarah's story is so compelling that I kept forgetting that one of literature's most famous love stories was happening upstairs ... moving, gripping, unsentimental * Irish Times *Longbourn is a really special book, and not only because its author writes like an angel * Daily Mail *A must-read for fans of Jane Austen, this literary tribute also stands on its own as a captivating love story * Publisher's Weekly *Painstakingly researched, it captures the atmosphere of Austen’s England perfectly and is delivered in beautiful prose * Sunday Mirror *Densely plotted and achingly romantic. This exquisitely reimagined Pride and Prejudice will appeal to Austen devotees and to anyone who finds the goings-on below stairs to be at least as compelling as the ones above * Library Journal *Intelligent and elegantly written ... a fitting tribute, inventing a love story all of its own * Wall Street Journal *Powerful...an especially appealing, and timely, reworking of the classic. Baker’s novel goes beyond escapist fantasy, drawing subtle comparisons between past and present * New Yorker *A fresh and engrossing story from below the stairs of Pride and Prejudice * Woman and Home *

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Book SynopsisThe first novel in a thrilling Norwegian historical trilogy - by the author of The Sixteen Trees of the Somme Trade ReviewRich, sinuous prose makes tangible the villagers' gritty perseverance in the face of poverty, isolation and the unpredictable climate . . . The Bell in the Lake is a beautiful example of modern Norwegian folklore -- Johanne Elster Hanson * Guardian *Mytting uses the love story to explore the clash between tradition and modernity -- Antonia Senior * The Times (Historical Fiction Book of the Month) *Love, suspense, nature and superstition are woven together in this powerful novel. Set in spectacular surroundings where anything can happen it will give the reader a taste of something deeply and genuinely Norwegian. -- Maya Lunde * author of THE HISTORY OF BEES *Lyrical, melancholy and with beautifully drawn characters, this pitches old beliefs against new ways with a haunting delicacy that rings true. -- Eithne Farry * Daily Mail *An exquisitely atmospheric novel about the struggle to cherish the beauty that is right in front of us; be it a blue-dark night, the bear-colored wood of a decaying stave church, or a love that is blooming through a late-thawing snow. The Bell in the Lake does what fiction promises: to steal you away to another world and ask you, if unfairly, to leave a little of your heart behind. -- Derek B. MillerMytting shows how landscape and climate can define a character . . . He delivers village wisdom . . . and jagged realism. It is a fireside read with splinters. -- Christian House * Financial Times *Mytting's cleverly crafted story heads inexorably to a moving conclusion -- Nick Rennison * Sunday Times *Lovers of good historical fiction are in for a real treat. * Radio New Zealand *Magnificent historical novel * Adresseavisen *Lars Mytting's historical novel is captivating and engaging . . . With his powerful narrative style, intertwined story and detailed knowledge of carpentry, fishing and stave churches, there is reason to believe that this time he will again reach many many readers. * Dagbladet *

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Book SynopsisNothing screams captain material like messing around with my hockey coach''s daughter . . .''Sparkling prose and delicious tension . . . Grace Reilly is the queen of sports romance!'' STEPHANIE ARCHER -----''Sports romance perfection'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ''The spice. The love. The humour. EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK WAS PERFECT'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ''Cooper 100% stole my heart'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ''Grace Reilly''s writing is excellent . . . it was like magic'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Discover your new TikTok obsession, a SPICY coach''s daughter hockey romance! Perfect for fans of Hannah Grace, Liz Tomforde and Elsie Silver.-----CooperAs a pro-bound college ice hockey player, I usually have my pick of puck bunnies. But lately, I''ve been in Trade ReviewSparkling prose and delicious tension . . . Grace Reilly is the queen of sports romance! -- Stephanie Archer, bestselling author of Behind the Net

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Book SynopsisThe tender and moving novella from the author of A Man Called Ove and Anxious People''I read this beautifully imagined and moving novella in one sitting, utterly wowed, wanting to share it with everyone I know'' Lisa Genova, New York Times bestselling author of Still Alice_________Grandpa and Noah are sitting on a bench in a square that keeps getting smaller every day.As they wait together on the bench, they tell jokes and discuss their shared love of mathematics. Grandpa recalls what it was like to fall in love with his wife, what it was like to lose her. She''s as real to him now as the first day he met her, but he dreads the day when he won''t remember her.Sometimes Grandpa sits on the bench next to Ted, Noah''s father - Ted who never liked maths, prefers writing and playing guitar, and has waited his entire life for his father to have time for him, to accept him. But in their love of Noah, they have foTrade ReviewWinsome, bittersweet ... Wise and heartbreaking. Backman's slim novella celebrates the joy of connecting even in the midst of letting go * People Magazine *A novella to be savoured and reread about a boy, his dad and his grandpa as they learn to say goodbye. It's a little book with a big message * San Francisco Chronicle *I read this beautifully imagined and moving novella in one sitting, utterly wowed, wanting to share it with everyone I know -- Lisa Genova, New York Times bestselling author of Still AliceBeautiful, dreamlike, heartbreaking, and heartwarming. Bring tissues. Bring all the tissues * RealSimple.com *The saddest, sweetest book ever ... It is heartbreakingly sad, but also beautiful and uplifting in the end * LaSalle News Tribune *

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Book Synopsis**As read on BBC Radio Four**Uplifting, joyous, hopeful - a novel about late love and second chances, shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award and winner of the Paul Torday Memorial Prize'A moving tribute to friendship and love, to the courage of the ordinary, and to starting again' RACHEL JOYCE, author of Miss Benson's Beetle'Full of grace and humanity' Sunday Times________________________This story begins with a letterFrom a housewifeto the gentle curatorOf an extraordinary museumWhere lies peacefullyAn ancient exhibitThat holds the keyTo EverythingWe are.Meet Me at the Museum tells of a connection made across oceans and against all the odds. Through intimate stories of joy, despair, and discovery, two people are drawn inexorably towards each other, until a shattering revelation pushes their friendship to the very edge.This deeply affecting debut novel by seventy-three year-old Anne Youngson won the Paul Torday Memorial Prize and was dramatized on BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour*******************************'Tender, wise and moving, Meet Me at the Museum is a novel to cherish.' JOHN BOYNE'Insightful, emotionally acute and absorbing' DAILY EXPRESS'Beautiful and affecting' NINA STIBBEWhat readers are saying:'I loved this book. It was so different from anything else I have read'*****'I just loved this book and read it in one sitting. There were times when I felt like underlining the sentences that resonated with me'*****'I read this book one letter at a time, just to let the contents sink in. Tears came to my eyes'*****Trade ReviewExquisite. Its characters somehow resist following their story and reverse themselves into a new one. A beautiful lasting read. * JAMES HANNAH, author of THE A TO Z OF YOU AND ME *Insightful, emotionally acute and absorbing * Daily Express Literary highlights 2018 *A moving tribute to friendship and love, to the courage of the ordinary, and to starting again. * RACHEL JOYCE *‘Tender, wise and moving, Meet Me at the Museum is a novel to cherish.’ * JOHN BOYNE *Full of grace and humanity * Sunday Times *A thoughtful and gentle meditation on buried passions, regrets, love, grief and loneliness . . . Youngson’s debut offers hope for change in its tender exploration of what it means to have experienced a life well-lived. * Guardian *The loveliest short novel of late love you'll ever read. Whenever I talk about it, I simply cry with joy * JAMES HAWES *Quietly intriguing, beautifully observed, full of powerful emotions * RUTH HOGAN, Author of The Keeper of Lost Things *I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone looking for a book that makes you think and wonder and quietly hope. Loved it. * Tammy Cohen *A quirky, wise and tender novel. Proof that the richest fruits come on the edge of autumn * SARAH DUNANT *Warm-hearted, clear-minded, and unexpectedly spellbinding, Meet Me at the Museum is a novel to savour * ANNIE BARROWS, co-author of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society *A beautiful, affecting novel of late love, by an extraordinary new writer * NINA STIBBE *Precise, clear, funny, poignant and truthful. This is a work of art, dear readers. Revel in its beauty * ADRIANI TRIGIANI *Intriguing and compelling, Meet Me at the Museum invites you into the meeting place between two people, imparting wisdom, thought, and endless charm. * JENNIFER RYAN, author of The Chilbury Ladies' Choir *A correspondence that begins with a search for clarity becomes something much deeper and richer - both for the two main characters, and for the reader.Anne Youngson peels away the layers that prevent us from living the lives we ought to be leading, and her book is both tender and absorbing. * LISSA EVANS, author of Their Finest Hour and a Half *Intriguing, tender, unexpectedly moving * Woman and Home *Full of emotion, wisdom and honesty, the story envelops the reader in a celebration of true friendship and an appreciation of the opportunities that life can unexpectedly present. This book makes you realise that life is too short and that the future can be more hopeful than we anticipate.If you only read one book this year, read this. Highly recommended * Mature Times *An insightful and emotional debut … tenderly hints at second chances and rejuvenation * Sunday Express *Full of funny, wise perceptions. The author is 70. This lovely novel is her debut. When's the next? * Saga Magazine *Absolutely beautiful, about loss and the life choices we make -- Liz Hoggard * Daily Mail *I thought the author wrote the content of the letters absolutely beautifully, making the characters jump off the page. * The Writing Garnet *I love books like this, that you can immerse yourself in and enjoy as a treat – books that just hold you in their spell. * On The Shelf Book Blog *Tina and Anders will capture your heart and you will root for them all the way. A very accomplished debut by Anne Youngson. * Novel Deelights *There is a sensitivity and warmth throughout that I found utterly charming. * Reflections of a Reader *It was beautifully crafted and once I had the book open I didn't close it until I had read the last page. * Books And Me *This book touched me to the heart – quite beautiful and exceptionally moving, and one of the very best books I’ve read this year. * Being Anne *When the book finished, I felt an immense sadness that I had to say goodbye to these two people. * My Reading Corner *I loved the setting and the characters were great, it was a pleasure to read. * Donna's Book Blog *Few books ever have that much impact on me and I feel this is something that everyone needs to experience. * Book Lover Worm *A beautiful, lyrical love story, played out with words and paper. * My Weekly *

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Book SynopsisA collection of masterful short stories in Julio Cortazar's sophistocated, powerful and gripping style.'Julio Cortázar is truly a sorcerer and the best of him is here, in these hilariously fraught and almost eerily affecting stories' Kevin BarryA grieving family home becomes the site of a terrifying invasion. A frustrated love triangle, brought together by a plundered Aztec idol, spills over into brutality. A lodger’s inability to stop vomiting bunny rabbits inspires a personal confession. As dream melds into reality, and reality melts into nightmare, one constant remains throughout these thirty-five stories: the singular brilliance of Julio Cortazar’s imagination.WITH A NEW INTRODUCTION BY KEVIN BARRY ‘Anyone who doesn't read Cortázar is doomed’ Pablo NerudaTrade ReviewA fecund mixture of surrealism, symbolism, nouveau roman experimentation and Borgesian fantasy, Cortázar enthusiastically seeds his realistic settings – for the most part split between Buenos Aires and Paris – with impossible invasions of the fantastical and supernatural. The effect is often a refined philosophical take on the "uncanny tales" strand of speculative fiction * Guardian *Cortázar is one of the most distinctive voices in Latin American literature * Newsday *Original...circuitous and powerful... Cortázar's method is to keep tight control over a world in which, just below the surface of charming, sophisticated social life, lies the unfaceable and unmentionable * Financial Times *Cortázar can induce the kind of chilling unease that strikes like a sound in the night * Time *A first-class literary imagination at work * The New York Times Book Review *

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Book SynopsisFor a young woman in medieval Russia, the choices are stark: marriage or life in a convent. Vasya will choose a third way: magic. . . The court of the Grand Prince of Moscow is plagued by power struggles and rumours of unrest. Meanwhile bandits roam the countryside, burning the villages and kidnapping its daughters. Setting out to defeat the raiders, the Prince and his trusted companion come across a young man riding a magnificent horse.Only Sasha, a priest with a warrior's training, recognises this 'boy' as his younger sister, thought to be dead or a witch by her village. But when Vasya proves herself in battle, riding with remarkable skill and inexplicable power, Sasha realises he must keep her secret as she may be the only way to save the city from threats both human and fantastical. . .A spellbinding fairytale full of magic and wonder, perfect for fans of Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus and Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials.*Make sure you've read all the books in the Winternight Trilogy*1. The Bear and the Nightingale2. The Girl in the Tower3. The Winter of the WitchTrade ReviewWith its beautiful storytelling and fiercely independent heroine fighting to be in charge of her own story, Katherine Arden's series finally fills a gap long left empty by Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials. Full of snowy Russian legends come to life, the lights and political intrigue of medieval Moscow, beautiful princes and monks with swords, Arden's writing is striking in its loveliness and impressive in its storytelling instincts. -- ANNA JAMESA captivating folktale-inspired adventure laden in mystery, magic and myth, it's the story of Vasya, one of the punchiest heroines I've encountered this year * THE POOL *This is a sumptuous and beautiful literary fairytale taking inspiration from Russian myths and fairytales, about a woman challenging expected gender norms in her world. * Stylist *A stunning sequel to the darkly magical The Bear and the Nightingale. The fierce, free-spirited heroine of this fabulous fable, Vasya, rejects the usual choices of marriage or the convent and, following accusations of witchcraft, flees her small village of Lesnaya Zemlya in northernmost Russia with the intention of seeing the world. Entirely enthralling -- 5 stars * S Magazine *An enthralling sequel...this twist on a classic fairytale overflows with rich language. The perfect wintry read. 5 Stars * THE SUN *

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Book SynopsisA supernatural superthriller from the author of Let the Right One InMolly wakes her mother to go to the toilet. The campsite is strangely blank. The toilet block has gone. Everything else has gone too. This is a place with no sun. No god.Just four families remain. Each has done something to bring them here - each denies they deserve it. Until they see what's coming over the horizon, moving irrevocably towards them. Their worst mistake. Their darkest fear.And for just one of them, their homecoming.This gripping conceptual horror takes you deep into one of the most macabre and unique imaginations writing in the genre. On family, on children, Lindqvist writes in a way that tears the heart and twists the soul. I Am Behind You turns the world upside down and, disturbing, terrifying and shattering by turns, it will suck you in.Trade ReviewA compelling treatise on loneliness, alienation and the evil that lurks in every human heart * Guardian *Genuinely scary . . . Vividly brought to life . . . Stockholm's answer to Stephen King? Well, Lindqvist certainly has the talent * Daily Mail *A horror that works its spell slowly, and you'll be gripped by the end * SciFiNow *Affectingly eerie scenario, and one which grows more and more menacingly surreal . . . haunting, memorably gruesome * SFX *Arguably the most talented horror writer of his generation, and certainly one of the most literate . . . An intense powerhouse of a book that is equal, if not better than, the undead opus that made him a worldwide success . . . Raw, unsettling, and worms its way beneath the skin with nightmarish ease. * Starburst *I Am Behind You is a book guaranteed to deliver lovers of dark fiction the foreboding, dread-soaked delights they've been hungering for. At the very least, it brings a new and utterly alien villain into the tradition of cosmic horror, and that alone is worth scaring yourself over * Barnes and Noble *

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Book SynopsisJade isn't even my real name. Jade began as my Starbucks name, because all children of immigrants have a Starbucks name.'A raw, compulsive and nuanced novel' i newspaper‘Ela Lee is a remarkable new voice in fiction ... JADED made me laugh, cry and really bloody furious’ Stacey Halls, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Familiars'One of 2024's hottest reads' Sunday Times'Authentic' Daily Mail------------------ Jade has become everything she ever wanted to be. Successful lawyer. Dutiful daughter. Beloved girlfriend. Loyal friend. Until one night after a work event she suffers an unspeakable attack. As she tries to confront what happened to her, she finds herself caught between her parents who can’t understand, her boyfriend who feels betrayed, and her job that expects silence. The world Jade has constructed starts to crumble. This raw, darkly funny novel explores the ‘grey-area’ of consent and recovery that’s far from linear, and will leave you asking yourself: what would you have done in Jade’s situation?'JADED is a thoughtful, hard-hitting exploration of race, identity, and the rippling effects of sexual assault. Ela Lee writes with an urgency and clarity that will have you hooked until the last page.' Cecile Pin, Women's Prize longlisted author of Wandering Souls 'This raw, dark novel explores racism, class and sexism and you'll want to savour every word on every page' Refinery 29'Moving' CosmoContent warning: this novel features themes of sexual assault and violence. Trade ReviewEla Lee is a remarkable new voice in fiction. I tore through JADED – it made me laugh, cry and really bloody furious * Stacey Halls *JADED is a thoughtful, hard-hitting exploration of race, identity, and the rippling effects of sexual assault. Ela Lee writes with an urgency and clarity that will have you hooked until the last page. * Cecile Pin, author of WANDERING SOULS *A raw, compulsive and nuanced novel about identity, race and consent * i *One of 2024's hottest reads * Sunday Times *This raw, dark novel explores racism, class and sexism and you'll want to savour every word on every page * Refinery 29 *

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Book Synopsis'Utterly enchanting' Woman's Weekly'Pure escapism' YoursAn unforgettable story of past love and family secrets, set in sunny SevilleHolly loves making marmalade. Now she has a chance to leave her stressful city job and pursue her dream - of returning to the Dorset landscape of her childhood to open Bitter Orange, a shop celebrating the fruit that first inspired her.Holly's mother Ella has always loved Seville. So why is she reluctant to go back there with Holly to source products for the shop? What is she frightened of - and does it have anything to do with the old Spanish recipe for Seville orange and almond cake that Ella keeps hidden from her family?In Seville, where she was once forced to make the hardest decision of her life, Ella must finally face up to the past, while Holly meets someone who poses a threat to all her plans. Seville is a city full of sunshine and oranges. But it can also be bittersweet. Will love survive the secrets of the orange grove?Praise for Rosanna Ley:'Beautifully written and gently captivating' Heat'Sun-soaked escapism' Best'The ultimate feel-good read' Candis'Holiday romance at its most evocative and escapist' The Lady'Unabashedly romantic . . slips down like easy-drinking vino infused with Mediterranean sunshine' Saga'A gorgeous, mouth-watering dream of a holiday read!' Red Magazine'Beautiful, evocative writing' SunTrade ReviewBeautifully written and gently captivating * Heat *Sun-soaked escapism * Best *A glorious read that feels like a summer holiday in a book * People's Friend *Holiday romance at its most evocative and escapist * The Lady *Unabashedly romantic . . slips down like easy-drinking vino infused with Mediterranean sunshine * Saga *I loved this wonderful tale of forbidden love and mysterious family secrets . . . completely beguiling and beautifully told * Kate Furnivall *This wonderful family saga has it all: the irresistible temptations of love long-denied, burgeoning secrets from the past, the gorgeous background of the Italian Riviera. A perfect summer read * Rachel Hore *A gorgeous, mouth-watering dream of a holiday read! * Red Magazine *Beautiful, evocative writing * Sun *A wonderfully relaxing sun lounger read * Sunday Express *A lovely summery read . . . promising romance and intrigue * My Weekly *[A] mesmerising story of lost love, new love and intriguing family relationships. The Orange Grove is a beautiful piece of writing, a perfect summer read! * Hot Brands Cool Places *Utterly enchanting * Woman's Weekly *Unforgettably mouth-watering * East Devon Resident *A wonderfully fruit flavoured exploration of Seville * The Book Trail *If heart-soaring romance, a thirty-year-old mystery, and some of the most mouth-watering locations in stunning Seville stir your soul and set fire to your senses, escape to beautiful Spain alongside master storyteller Rosanna Ley * Lancashire Evening Post *With endearing characters and a plot that makes you hungry, you will not want to put this book down. It is a wonderful, sunny read of beautiful escapism * Frost *Pure escapism * Yours *The perfect holiday read * Pam Norfolk * Utterly enchanting * Woman's Weekly *

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Book SynopsisThere's no place like home...Nursing a broken heart, Jennifer Bolitho retreats to Pixie Cottage. Her new landlord - a former soldier turned movie heartthrob - has grounds so large, she's sure the little house nestled in the woods will bring her solitude.Alex Delgardo also has reasons to hide away. Seeking refuge after a tragic incident turned his world upside down, he knows that the most important thing now is to care for his ailing family. But when Jennifer enters their lives, that changes. Because, as they both learn, you can't heal others until you learn to heal yourself...See what REAL READERS are saying about Beth's books: 'If you want a quality romance with a difference this is it''One of my favourite authors - a warm hug of a book, perfect for those cold winter days, it is heartwarming, funny, with hints of romance ... I would have happily read this in one sitting, and was sorely tempted to' - Rachel's Random Reads'Charming, poignant and absolutely magical' 'It's a warm and comforting hug of a book and I loved it''Filled with all of the magic and sparkle of the festive season. This is a Christmas book not to be missed'

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Book SynopsisWinner of the 2020 Prix Médicis etranger I want to live on foot, by hand, by pencil, at ease, responsive to whatever I meet, loose like the air that moves around my body as I walk or like a graceful swimming stroke. I want to remain astonished. Join Antonio Muñoz Molina for a walk through Madrid, Paris, London and New York, where the past and the present live side by side in the literature of newspaper headlines, billboards, casual glances and overheard conversation. This is the digital metropolis, captured in notebooks, recorded on the iPhone, where Edgar Allan Poe, Herman Melville, Charles Baudelaire, Thomas de Quincey, Fernando Pessoa and Walter Benjamin step beside us, all of us writing the unfinished poem of the crowded city.Trade ReviewTolstoyan in its scale, emotional intensity and intellectual honesty. -- Economist * Economist *Molina is a true original -- Salman RushdieSpellbinding * Washington Post *Exhilarating . . . exceptional . . . necessary -- Adam Feinstein * Financial Times *Compellingly seductive * Independent *

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Book SynopsisLonglisted for the Miles Franklin Award 2020 'A novelist for our times' Anna Funder, author of Stasiland In this brilliant novel of fear and sacrifice, trauma and survival, four characters' lives intertwine across time and place. Australian soldier Toohey returns from Baghdad in 2003 with shrapnel in his neck, crippled by PTSD. A decade earlier, aspiring pianist Nasim falls from favour with Saddam Hussein and his psychopathic son Uday, triggering a perilous search for safety. In Melbourne as the millennium turns, Robbie, faced with her father's dementia and family silences that may never be addressed, begins to test boundaries. And in the present day, Gerry seeks to escape his father Toohey's tyranny and heal the wounds inflicted by it. Crossing the frontiers of war, protest and cultural reconciliation, Act of Grace is a meditation on inheritance: the damage that one generation bestows upon the next, and the potential for transformation. It is a searing, powerful and utterly original work by an exceptional Australian writer.Trade ReviewWhen it comes to the Australian writer Anna Krien's debut novel, Act of Grace, 'ambitious' feels like an understatement . . . A potent study of power . . . she deftly knits together time periods and places. Her characters, though, are her greatest achievement . . . In placing these complicated, vulnerable characters together, Krien crosses cultural and generational divides to dazzling effect. -- Lucy Knight * Sunday Times *It's startling to read a first novel that gathers so much and travels so far, yet flows so effortlessly. Krien writes brilliantly, channelling indelible images ... Krien resists easy conclusions, following her flawed characters with sharp, sympathetic eyes, before leaving them without fanfare, still compromised and still uncertain, but with the chance to rework the angry echoes of the past into a song of their own. * Guardian *The wisdom and balance of Krien's writing captivates * Daily Telegraph *Krien's first novel is a high-wire performance. With its vast historical rigging, epic scope, ethical complexity, and kaleidoscopic view, Act of Grace is enormously ambitious. The reader watches, breath held, as the novel unspools, but Krien's step is sure, and she does not fall. * Australian Book Review *One of this country's leading voices * The Saturday Paper *

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Book SynopsisWords begin to lose their meanings, flaking off into air like moths. Friendships cultivated over a lifetime fall apart in testing circumstances. What does the stranger with yellow eyes really want?From Far Around They Saw Us Burn is the eagerly awaited first short story collection from Alice Jolly, one of the most exciting and accomplished voices in British fiction today.The extraordinary range of work gathered here is united by a fascination with how everyday interactions can transform our lives in unpredictable ways. These are stories of lonely people, outcasts and misfits, and the ghosts that inhabit our intimate spaces. The result is a compelling, arresting and, at times, devastating collection – not least in the title story, which was inspired by the tragic true events of the 1943 Cavan orphanage fire.Written with an exemplary eye for detail and an intimate understanding of the complexities of human nature, Jolly's collection builds up towards the ultimate question: what is revealed of us when we peel away the surfaces, and is it enough?Trade Review’I was so impressed by From Far Around They Saw Us Burn. The gift of looking at ordinary life slant-eyed to see what is strange, sadistic, kind, loving or moral is a rare one. Its characters are so vulnerable, yet often unexpectedly compassionate or resilient, transfixed by Jolly’s cool, elegant prose. It’s well worth reading, and a real achievement' Amanda Craig'It is this fearlessness, this indefatigable digging into human behaviour to reveal the uncomfortable truths of our lives, that gives Jolly’s writing real weight. In these stories, she takes on the bored and the lonely, even the perverts, the awkward and the bad. Where a less wise writer might have produced monsters, Jolly, with tenderness, finds their souls' The Guardian

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Book SynopsisHe''s known as the class clown - the kid with a lot of nerve. And some believe thirteen-year-old Jack Mathias is too confident for his own good. His audacious practical jokes and impulsiveness frequently land him in hot water and growing up seems a world away. However, a sudden wild adventure with his unlikely companions, Gene (the nerd) and Edgar (the shy outcast), thrusts Jack towards maturity with more of a shove than normal life would ever have managed. Will he meet the challenge?The trio''s illicit and desperate quest to find long-hidden treasure leads them into great danger, challenging their collective wits and testing the limits of their physical and mental endurance. Will Jack, the natural, fearless leader, discover the ancient jewels and a different version of himself in the process? Or will he avoid personal responsibility for the rest of his life?

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Book Synopsis*Now a major Disney+ short film starring John Travolta*The chilling thriller from the international bestselling phenomenon.'A cunningle wrought tale' Financial Times'A stirring and beautiful story' The Times_____________Christmas Eve, 1957.For one Royal Air Force pilot, one last hurdle remains between himself and a cozy Christmas morning in England. A sixty-six-minute flight in his Vampire fighter plane from Germany to Lakenheath.A routine flight plan and a full tank of fuel. What could go wrong?But as the fog begins to close in, the compass goes haywire and the radio dies, leaving him in silence, lost and alone up in the inky black sky.All hope seems lost as he accepts his fate when, out of nowhere, a vintage fighter-bomber appears and is miraculously trying to make contact.For one lonely pilot this is a miracle, but really the mystery has just begun ..._____________With over 1,000 5* reviews . . .***** 'This was for me the best Christmas military short story'***** 'What a great story!! I just loved it.'***** 'A splendid story. Still have goosebumps after reading it.'***** 'I, too, read this every Christmas season - and think of it often throughout the year.'***** 'What a wonderful surprising ending, I didn't see that coming, very good story, I think imma remember it for a long time.'Trade ReviewA cunningly wrought tale—Financial TimesA stirring and beautiful story—The Times

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Book Synopsis**WINNER OF THE WALES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023****WATERSTONES WELSH BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022**'Truly beautiful and haunting, and an incredible feat of storytelling' DONAL RYAN'A tender, unusual and gorgeously wrought love story' RACHEL JOYCE'In times of war, Lewis finds resilience, redemption and hope...DRIFT feels perfectly judged' OBSERVER THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEBUT FROM THREE-TIME WINNER OF WALES BOOK OF THE YEAR CARYL LEWIS: A STORY OF LOVE, MAGIC AND THE IRRESISTIBLE LURE OF THE SEA.Nefyn has always been an enigma, even to her brother Joseph with whom she lives in a small cottage above a blustery cove.Hamza is a Syrian mapmaker, incarcerated in a military base a few miles up the coast.A violent storm will bring these two lost souls together - but other forces will soon try to tear them apart...Moving between the wild Welsh coast and war-torn Syria, Drift is a love story with a difference, a hypnotic tale of lost identity, the quest for home and the wondrous resilience of the human spirit.'A truly magical and transformative novel. I loved it.' KIRSTY CAPES, author of CARELESS Trade ReviewA truly beautiful and haunting novel, and an incredible feat of storytelling * DONAL RYAN *A tender, unusual and gorgeously wrought love story that weaves the magic of folk lore, the wonder of the sea, and the depths of human cruelty. It moves between the worlds it inhabits like the finest piece of driftwood. * RACHEL JOYCE *In times of war, Lewis finds resilience, redemption and hope...DRIFT feels perfectly judged * OBSERVER *Captivating from the off * Huw Stephens, BBC Front Row *A truly magical and transformative novel. I loved it. * Kirsty Capes *

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Book SynopsisTHE MULTI-MILLION-COPY BESTSELLERSoon to be an Apple TV series starring Brie Larson'I loved it' NIGELLA LAWSON'Sparky, rip-roaring, funny' SUNDAY TIMES'The most charming, life-enhancing novel I've read in ages' INDIA KNIGHT'Brimming with life' RACHEL JOYCE___________Your ability to change everything - including yourself - starts hereChemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing.But it's the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute take a very unscientific view of equality. Forced to resign, she reluctantly signs on as the host of a cooking show, Supper at Six. But her revolutionary approach to cooking, fuelled by scientific and rational commentary, grabs the attention of a nation.Soon, a legion of overlooked housewives find themselves daring to change the status quo. One molecule at a time.__________A Book of the Year for: Guardian, Times, Sunday Times, Good Housekeeping, Woman & Home, Stylist, TLS, Oprah Daily, Newsweek, Mail on Sunday, New York Times, India Knight, Hay Festival, Amazon and many others'Biting and cheerIng in exactly the right measure' JOJO MOYES'I loved Lessons in Chemistry and am devastated to have finished it!' NIGELLA LAWSON'Laugh-out-loud funny and brimming with life, generosity and courage' RACHEL JOYCE'A novel that sparks joy with every page' ELIZABETH DAY'Elizabeth Zott is an iconic heroine' PANDORA SYKES'A page-turning and highly satisfying tale' MAGGIE SHIPSTEAD, author of GREAT CIRCLEThe multi-million copy bestsellerAs read on BBC Radio 4 Book at BedtimeWinner of the Goodreads Choice Best Debut Novel AwardBritish Book Awards Author of the YearTrade ReviewFull of humour, heartbreak and characters who feel like real people. This is a book that everyone will be talking about * RED MAGAZINE *A truly unique book with some great life lessons * WOMAN AND HOME, BEST BOOKS OF 2022 *Entirely enjoyable, totally engrossing novel, Garmus' beautifully drawn characters, her polished, engaging prose and a hugely satisfying plot make for a glorious read.Lessons In Chemistry is alight with warmth, wit and hard-won wisdom. Absolutely wonderful * DAILY EXPRESS *Fast, funny and furious * DAILY EXPRESS *Feminism is the catalyst that makes [Lessons in Chemistry] fizz like hydrochloric acid on limestone. Elizabeth Zott does not have 'moxie'; she has courage. She is not a 'girl boss' or a 'lady chemist'; she's a groundbreaker and an expert in abiogenesis. . . To file Elizabeth Zott among the pink razors of the book world is to miss the sharpness of Garmus's message. Lessons in Chemistry will make you wonder about all the real-life women born ahead of their time - women who were sidelined, ignored and worse because they weren't as resourceful, determined and lucky as Elizabeth Zott. She's a reminder of how far we've come, but also how far we still have to go * NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW *

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Book SynopsisThe trouble which begins with Gussie Fink-Nottle wandering the streets of London dressed as Mephistopheles reaches its awful climax in his drunken speech to the boys of Market Snodsbury Grammar School. For Bertie Wooster's old friend has fallen in love with Madeline Bassett and, as usual, makes a hash of the affair until Jeeves comes to the rescue. In the meantime, Jeeves must also solve the mystery of the white mess jacket, while sorting out the lives of Bertie's cousin Angela, her mother, and her mother's French chef. In short, a normal working day for that prince among gentlemen's gentlemen in what must be a candidate for the name of the funniest novel in the English language.

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Book SynopsisSet in the early decades of the twentieth century, Independent People is a masterly realist novel evoking in rich detail a family and a rural community struggling to survive in the starkest of landscapes. At the same time it is infused with an intense awareness of Iceland's saga tradition and folklore. Bjartur of Summerhouses is a hard and sometimes cruel man, but his flinty determination to achieve independence is both genuinely heroic and bleakly comic. Having spent eighteen years in humiliating servitude before managing to purchase an isolated piece of land rumoured to be cursed, Bjartur wants nothing more than to tend his flocks unbeholden to any man. But his daughter wants to live unbeholden to him, and what ensues is a battle of wills that is by turns harsh and touching, elemental in its emotional intensity and intimate in its homely detail. An utterly compelling read.Trade ReviewA saga that somehow contrives to recapture the broad, clear air of older Icelandic tales. * Observer *I love this book ... I can't imagine any greater delight than coming to Independent People for the first time. -- Jane SmileyFunny, clever, sardonic, and brilliant, Independent People is one of my Top Ten Favourite Books of All Time. -- Annie ProulxLaxness has a poet's imagination and a poet's gift for phrase and symbol ... Bjartur is a magnificent and complex symbol of peasant independence. * The New York Times Book Review *

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Book SynopsisA funny and clever novel about art and reality and the way they imitate each other, from the author of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. With an introduction by Mark Lawson.Would-be novelist Fleur Talbot works for the snooty, irascible Sir Quentin Oliver at the Autobiographical Association, whose members are all at work on their memoirs. When her employer gets his hands on Fleur's novel-in-progress, mayhem ensues as its scenes begin coming true... Spark's inimitable style make this literary joyride thoroughly appealing.'The most gloriously entertaining novel since The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.' AN Wilson, Spectator'I read this book in a delirium of delight ... robust and full-bodied, a wise and mature work, and a brilliantly mischievous one.' New York Times Book ReviewTrade ReviewThe most gloriously entertaining novel since THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE * A.N. Wilson, SPECTATOR *I read this book in a delirium of delight...robust and full-bodied, a wise and mature work, and a brilliantly mischievous one * NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW *Unflagging wit and inventiveness * TIME MAGAZINE *This is Muriel Spark in the splendid form of those marvellous and influential novels of her earlier career * THE TIMES *

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Book Synopsis'Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont is, for me, her masterpiece' - Robert McCrum, Guardian, 'The Best 100 Novels''An author of great subtlety, great compassion and great depth' - SARAH WATERS 'Jane Austen, Elizabeth Taylor, Elizabath Bowen - soul-sisters all' ANNE TYLEROn a rainy Sunday in January, the recently widowed Mrs Palfrey arrives at the Claremont Hotel where she will spend her remaining days. Her fellow residents are magnificently eccentric and endlessly curious, living off crumbs of affection and snippets of gossip. Together, upper lips stiffened, they fight off their twin enemies: boredom and the Grim Reaper.Then one day Mrs Palfrey strikes up an unlikely friendship with an impoverished young writer, Ludo, who sees her as inspiration for his novel.'Elizabeth Taylor's exquisitely drawn character study of eccentricity in old age is a sharp and witty portrait of genteel postwar English life facing the changes taking shape in the 60s . . . Much of the reader's joy lies in the exquisite subtlety in Taylor's depiction of all the relationships, the sharp brevity of her wit, and the apparently effortless way the plot unfolds' -Robert McCrum 'the 100 best novels', GuardianTrade ReviewElizabeth Taylor's exquisitely drawn character study of eccentricity in old age is a sharp and witty portrait of genteel postwar English life facing the changes taking shape in the 60s . . . Much of the reader's joy lies in the exquisite subtlety in Taylor's depiction of all the relationships, the sharp brevity of her wit, and the apparently effortless way the plot unfolds . . . Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont is, for me, her masterpiece -- Robert McCrum * 'the 100 best novels', Guardian *Jane Austen, Elizabeth Taylor, Barbara Pym, Elizabeth Bowen - soul-sisters allElizabeth Taylor is finally being recognised as an important British author: an author of great subtlety, great compassion and great depth. As a reader, I have found huge pleasure in returning to Taylor's novels and short stories many times over. As a writer I've returned to her too - in awe of her achievements, and trying to work out how she does it -- Sarah WatersOne of the most underrated novelists of the twentieth century, Elizabeth Taylor writes with a wonderful precision and grace. Her world is totally absorbing -- Antonia FraserShe's a magnificent and underrated mid-twentieth-century writer, the missing link between Jane Austen and John Updike * Independent *

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Book SynopsisFROM THE WINNER OF THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION. A.M Homes returns with signature humour and psychological accuracy, to tell thirteen stories exposing the heart of an uneasy 21st-century America. In tales of a family obsessed with the surfaces of their lives, or the story of a shopper who suddenly finds himself nominated to run for President, she explores our attachments to each other through characters who aren't quite who they hoped to become, though there is no one else they can be. Her first book since the Women's Prize-winning May We Be Forgiven, Days of Awe is another visionary, fearless and outrageously funny work from a master storyteller.

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Book SynopsisThe No.1 bestselling novel of the Great Irish Famine from one of Ireland's most beloved writersIreland's hopes for freedom are dashed with the arrival of a deadly potato blight that strikes terror in the heart of its people.1845. Seamstress Mary Sullivan's dreams of a better future are shattered as she looks out over their ruined crop. Refusing to give in to despair, she must use every ounce of courage and strength to protect her family as they fight to survive.Dr Dan Donovan is Medical Officer to the Skibbereen Union. The arrival of 'The Hunger' soon brings starving men, women and children crowding into the town and the workhouse, desperate for assistance.Fr John Fitzpatrick's faith is tested by the suffering that surrounds him as his pleas for help fall on deaf ears.Inspired by true Irish heroes, The Hungry Road is the heartbreaking story of the Great Irish Famine told by one of Ireland's best loved writers.__________'Compelling ... An essential book' Sunday Times'Heartbreaking and powerful' Her.ie'Gripping' Business Post'Captivating' Sunday Independent'Powerful ... illustrate[s] the enormity of the tragedy' Irish IndependentTrade ReviewCompelling … An accessible and essential book, which does great service to Irish history and charts the courage and steadfastness of the human spirit * Sunday Times *Heartbreaking and powerful * Her.ie *Powerful ... Conlon-McKenna has assembled an excellent cast of characters ... Myriad small, moving details help to illustrate the enormity of the tragedy * Irish Independent *Captivating … This well-researched novel brings the atrocity of the famine to life * Sunday Independent *(Marita Conlon-McKenna has) done a great service to history ... I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I raced through it ... It’s a must-add to your collection. * Ryan Tubridy, RTE Radio 1 *

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Book SynopsisThe title of the novel comes from the Yorkshire manor on the moors of the story. The narrative centres on the all-encompassing, passionate, but ultimately doomed love between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, and how this unresolved passion eventually destroys them and the people around them

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Book Synopsis‘A book for children from 8 to 80. I love the humanity of this story and how one man’s efforts can change the future for so many. It’s a real message of hope.’ Michael MorpurgoDiscover this beloved masterpiece of nature writing that is a hymn to creation and to the power of the individual to do their bit to change the world for the better.In 1910, while hiking through the wild lavender in a wind-swept, desolate valley in Provence, a man comes across a shepherd called Elzéard Bouffier. Staying with him, he watches Elzéard sorting and then planting hundreds of acorns as he walks through the wilderness. Ten years later, after surviving the First World War, he visits the shepherd again and sees the young forest he has created spreading slowly over the valley. Elzéard’s solitary, silent work continues and the narrator returns year after year to see the miracle he is gradually creating: a verdant, green landscape that is a testament to one man’s creative instinct.A beautiful story of hope, survival and selflessness, The Man Who Planted Trees resonates as strongly with readers today as when it was first published.Featuring an introduction from award-winning naturalist Richard Mabey, author of Nature Cure.Trade ReviewA book for children from 8 to 80. I love the humanity of this story and how one man's efforts can change the future for so many -- Michael Morpurgo * Independent *The Man Who Planted Trees…is really special to me – it’s a book I give away to people a lot * Mail on Sunday *One of the greatest writers of our generation * author of Man's Fate *Thoughtful and potent, this captivating tale of nature and nurture will bring a smile to many lips * Connexion *In Giono's work what every sensitive, full-blooded individual ought to be able to recognise at once is 'the song of the world'

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Book Synopsis'A writer whose tears for her characters freeze as they drop' SUNDAY TIMES'Vivid and moving and in combination with the existentialist panorama of history make the book well worth reading' KIRKUS REVIEWS 'Simone de Beauvoir has the true novelist's gift' A. S. BYATTWhen the beautiful, ambitious actress Regina takes Fosca into her life and learns his amazing truth, she is obsessed with the thought that in his memory her performances will live forever. But, as he recounts the story of his existence over more than six centuries, she learns of his involvement in some of the most significant events in history and how his humanity has withered away. Regina finally understands the implications for him to hope and love.All Men Are Mortal was adapted into a film released in 1994, starring Irene Jacob, Marianne Sagebrecht and Stephen Rea.Trade ReviewA writer whose tears for her characters freeze as they drop * Sunday Times *Vivid and moving and in combination with the existentialist panorama of history make the book well worth reading * Kirkus Reviews *Simone de Beauvoir is a writer whose every work I pounce on eagerly - her vision is so wide, the tale she tells is so interesting, her characterisation so psychologically profound * Yorkshire Post *Simone de Beauvoir has the true novelist's gift of selecting detail and creating individuals whilst refusing to sum up situations -- A. S. ByattProbably de Beauvoir's strangest and most compelling novel * Ingrams *Probably de Beauvoir's strangest and most compelling novel * Ingrams *A writer whose tears for her characters freeze as they drop * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisIn early eighteenth-century Lisbon, Baltasar, a soldier who has lost his left hand in battle, falls in love with Blimunda, a young girl with visionary powers. From the day that he follows her home from the auto-da-fe where women are burned at the stake, the two are bound body and soul by love of an unassailable strength. A third party shares their supper that evening: Padre Bartolomeu Lourenco, whose fantasy is to invent a flying machine. As the Crown and the Church clash, they purse his impossible, not to mention heretical, dream of flight.Trade ReviewA mighty novel, variously bawdy, elevated, angry and tender, combining erudition, comedy, heresy, surreal science fiction and countless good stories. -- Robert Farren * Sunday Independent *Original and brilliant...Lovers of Marquez and magical realism will be enchanted by the wonders of this novel, for the colour and vivacity of Saramago's imagination inspires and entertains. -- Kate Figes * Sunday Times *Jose Saramago affirms the simple truths as only a writer of rare stature can. -- Christopher Wordsworth * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisDisaster is only a handful of words away. And they are already being spoken... An abused young boy craves the affection of his crusading mother, who brutally rejects him in favour of cultivating the dependence of lonely and desperate strangers. Acolytes who will, when promised emancipation from their suffering, cater to her every bizarre and catastrophic whim without question. Poignant, harrowing and humorous, this poetic, bitter-sweet, dreamlike fable examines the corrosive pain of social isolation and emotional vulnerability, the devastating fragility of devotion and the power of love to transport us to perfect, imperfect and dangerously unpredictable places.Trade Review"I have never read such beautiful writing. I was stunned! The most beautifully written coming of age novel...EVER!!;The Failing of Angels has a plot to ponder...but really, the highlight is the writing. It is gorgeous. Tutton is a poet and that sensibility comes out in the book. Each sentence just needs to be reread. There are moments of pure beauty counterbalanced by sorrow but nevertheless there is a great amount of pleasure reading tightly crafted prose. The coming of age novel is nothing new in literature but Chris Tutton gives the genre a fresh outlook and I can guarantee that there will never be one which is as evocatively written as The Failing of Angels" Robert Pisani. "One of the most strikingly written books I've read all year; Tutton's prose is striking, full of alliteration, rhythm and unusual images...a strong heady brew of language that's well worth reading." David Hebblethwaite, David's Book World. Reading across the globe.

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Book SynopsisA hauntingly descriptive poetic-prose tapestry of fairytale fragments, alive with spirit of place.

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Book SynopsisGrace Ambrose, Brett Beamish and Reuben Swift appear to have little in common, but as each of them negotiates metropolitan life, they find their fates entwined. Arty, liberal-minded House of Commons secretary Grace has been counting the tea breaks in the same dull job for approaching a decade and feels she could do something better ...if only she knew what. New recruit Brett, a smooth, high-flying Australian, is on a mission to shake up the dusty backrooms of power - and on a collision path with Grace. Office life begins to look up when Grace receives an email from an admirer with musical and poetic talents ...but is soulful, enigmatic Reuben Swift really who he says he is?Trade Review'Confident, funny and poignant. Macdonald's world draws the reader in irresistibly' Jane Rogers; 'Deliciously erotic and hugely readable, with some wonderful moments of illumination' Maureen Freely

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Book SynopsisPalestine + 100 poses a question to twelve Palestinian writers: what might your country look like in the year 2048 - a century after the tragedies and trauma of what has come to be called the Nakba? How might this event - which, in 1948, saw the expulsion of over 700,000 Palestinian Arabs from their homes - reach across a century of occupation, oppression, and political isolation, to shape the country and its people? Will a lasting peace finally have been reached, or will future technology only amplify the suffering and mistreatment of Palestinians? Covering a range of approaches - from SF noir, to nightmarish dystopia, to high-tech farce - these stories use the blank canvas of the future to reimagine the Palestinian experience today. Along the way, we encounter drone swarms, digital uprisings, time-bending VR, peace treaties that span parallel universes, and even a Palestinian superhero, in probably the first anthology of science fiction from Palestine ever.

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Book SynopsisSophie thought she and Jonah were happy, bringing up their young daughter together, until one summer's day, she discovers that Jonah is far from the man she thought he was. Sam - an attractive English teacher - seems to offer her some support, and new friendships give her some comfort. But is Sam really who he says he is? Where have her new freinds appeared from? Is anyone telling the truth? As Jonah's lies threaten Sophie and her daughter, can anyone be trusted?

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Book SynopsisIs thirty too late to reconsider? Natalie can’t remember why her life is following Plan B. Dan’s vision of the universe has never extended to understanding his wife. But their marriage has some precious ember at its core, doesn’t it? Meanwhile, trader Mike is relieved to discover that it doesn’t matter if there’s a void where the weightiest substance of your character should be. Fearless mountaineer Brenda sweats and trembles in a crowded room. And James doesn’t know how to unfollow his dreams. Thrown off course by a shocking diagnosis, five friends confront the realities of money, meaning, marriage, and mortality, in this vivaciously intelligent novel about how to live and die.Trade Review‘Poetical and lyrical … we are immersed in the characters and drawn helplessly into the story’s flow … Maloney spares neither his own characters, nor his readers — and this is as it should be.’ -- Tadhg Coakley * Irish Examiner *‘A novel replete with formal virtues — Learning to Die by Thomas Maloney assembles a vibrant cast of recognisable characters to wrestle with the contemporary challenge of how we live and die now, and whether engagement is any more possible than escape.’ -- Richard Beard, author of The Day That Went Missing‘Startling and sad but also sly, punchy and full of heart — I admire Maloney for going where few novels dare.’ -- Julie Myerson, author of The Stopped Heart‘A crisply written and ferociously intelligent account of a disparate group of thirtysomethings trying to make sense of the world they inhabit, and a welcome reminder that the English novel — as opposed to all the other kinds clamouring for our attention — is alive and well.’ -- D.J. Taylor, author of The Prose Factory‘[Maloney] writes about everything on a breath-taking continuum from humorous to brutally realist … genius.’ -- Anna Hollingsworth * Shiny New Books *‘This is a richly funny novel, yet finally beautiful, tender and heart-wrenching.’ -- Rose Shepherd * Saga *

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Book SynopsisA twisting tale of horticultural ambition set in turn of the 20th century Walthamstow.

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Book SynopsisSet in a fractured, depopulated Britain, ‘No Repeat of Yesterday’ is a fast-paced thriller that asks questions about the trust we invest in those who wield power. The 2070s. A military-controlled regime fosters social cohesion via the charade of an external military threat. To this end, RAF pilot Nicole Dibaba conducts spectacular nocturnal raids against unoccupied industrial targets. As millions embrace the apparent realities, alternative voices invade the state-controlled media. Dibaba’s refusal to execute unconscionable orders brings her into conflict not just with her commanders but also with the insidious security apparatus. Ultimately she is confronted with a dilemma from which her conscience might not emerge unscathed.

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Book SynopsisFROM THE ACCLAIMED AUTHOR OF DEAR MICHAEL, LOVE DAD & OUT OF THE MADHOUSE 'I am Ian Wilkerson. 54 years old. Married forever. Three children. I have been made redundant. I believe I have cancer. And... I am losing my mind.' The announcement of a baby - his first grandchild - tips Ian's world upside down. As he struggles with his thoughts and feelings, a short walk with Bernard, his Jack Russell, turns into their longest journey. A story of love, loss and family ties, Ian and Bernard's funny, thought-provoking and emotional adventure will stay with you long after it comes to its dramatic ending.Trade Review"An utterly compelling and intriguing story of a man, in late middle age, confronting his personal demons by walking out of his home one day without word, warning or explanation. Very funny in some places, unspeakably poignant and sad in others. A philosophical and moving tale for our times" Charlie Mortimer; "A Tender and thoughtful novel exploring the bond between man and man's best friend ...sincere and evocative..." Michael Simkins

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Book Synopsis‘Affectionate Widow’ is an emotional, highly entertaining and even educational book by a talented new young Ugandan writer. The book tells the story of a kind lady, Pollah, who tragically lost her family in a terrible accident. This led to her becoming a widow and being lonely and bereft of support in the world. Yet Pollah never gave up trying to find new love, she expressed her new love in helping the children at the school who were once strangers but subsequently became part of her world. Several of their dreams came true because of Pollah’s inspirational help. ‘Affectionate Widow’ shows that not only love drives out hate but also there is a great strength of spirit that can be gained by being useful even when initially you may think you have nothing to offer. Pollah the country widow’s story touches us all.

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A brand new edition of the classic wartime adventure by Jerrard Tickell. First published in 1951 and now re-issued by Manderley Press, with an introduction by Rosa Rankin-Gee (author of 'The Last Kings of Sark'), and a front cover featuring a wallpaper design by renowned English designer Edward Bawden.

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Book SynopsisWhat if Beethoven had travelled to the United States? Taking up a commission to write a Biblical oratorio for Boston's Handel and Haydn Society?As Mr. Beethoven wrestles with his librettist and his muse, he comes to rely on two women. Thankful, who conducts his conversations using Martha's Vineyard sign language, and a kindred spirit: Mrs. Hill. Meanwhile all Boston waits in anxious expectation of a first performance Mr. Beethoven will never hear. Variously admonishing the amateur music society and laughing in the company of his hosts' children, the immortal composer is brought back to the fullness of life. Griffiths invents only what is strictly possible. His historiography weaves through the text in counterpoint, making this also a story about the fragility of the past and the remaining traces of the man: Mr. Beethoven.Trade ReviewThere is a sort of deranged, Borgesian brilliance in Griffiths’s minute descriptions of music that never existed; and, despite the profound learning underpinning it, the book doesn’t at all smell of the lamp. Like The Tomb Guardians, it goes about its metafictional task in an energetic, supple and highly readable way – and, like the new book, it is beautifully produced. -- Keith Miller * The TLS *

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