Narrative theme: social issues / social problems

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Book Synopsis''A must-read'' Stylist''Powerful'' Harriet Tyce''A spellbinding novel'' The Irish Times''Thrilling'' Heat''Compulsive'' John Marrs''Dazzling'' Chris Whitaker''Grippingly readable'' The Daily Mirror''A rollercoaster read'' ElleTHE THING IS . . . WHO DIDN''T HAVE ANYTHING TO GAIN BY HAVING A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM? ALL THAT MONEY? HE DREW US ALL IN LIKE BEES TO HONEY - AND HE KNEW IT THE ENTIRE TIME.Ten years ago, Sarah left behind a career in Hollywood that she had sacrificed everything for. Now she lectures at a small college, her dreams of showbiz success long behind her.When a curious journalist raises her filmmaking past, Sarah must finally tell her own story and confront the old dreams that she left behind. But with old dreams come new realisations, and Sarah can''t help but wonder: was she complicit in the Trade ReviewComplicit is immensely powerful, compelling and enraging. A feminist thriller set in the workplace, which feels all too real * Harriet Tyce *A skilful, engrossing and timely thriller - as well as a deeply unsettling glimpse into the dark heart of Hollywood. * TM Logan *A compulsive read - Winnie M Li's powerful and beautiful writing immediately immersed me in the murky world of the film industry and kept me furiously turning the pages. Through her assured storytelling Winnie draws you into the protagonist's world on every level - from the superficial to the emotional - to paint a devastating and timely portrait of the abuse of power within a highly charged and often frightening workplace. I loved it. * Sarah Pearse *Bold, brilliant, dazzling and devastating. Winnie M Li writes with pure heart and effortless style, and in Complicit handles the sharpest of stories with such compassion and skill. * Chris Whitaker *Like the best filmmakers, Li draws you to the edge of your seat and keeps you there.... I found painful reminders that it takes a village to prop up a person who abuses power. Fair warning: Li doesn't sugarcoat her subject, nor should she. * The New York Times *A fearless and brilliant novel about power, ambition and abuse in the film industry and what it means to be a survivor. * Anna Mazzola *A spellbinding novel that transcends the immediacy of its #MeToo backdrop to deliver a broadside against the movie industry and the patriarchal system it embodies, in which sexism, racism and predatory behaviour are not only called out, but celebrated and rewarded... A quietly blistering J'accuse. * The Irish Times *Powerful and compulsive, an era defining novel that's impossible to put down. * John Marrs *Totally compulsive. Truly gripping and unexpected ... an incredible and timely story. * Kirsty Capes *This book. Wow. Straight into my books of the year. It made me angry. It made me cry. The prose is razor sharp, the story timely and powerful, and the end ... packed an emotional punch. * Louise Beech *A masterful example of the slow burn thriller, highlighting the still all too true fact that often the real terror for women is simply existing in a man's world. Also an ode to the power and beauty of story-telling. I loved it. * Araminta Hall *A deep dive into the sleazy underbelly of the film industry prior to #MeToo, Complicit is a brave look at the innocents, the predators, their enablers and those who turned a blind eye to sexual harassment, abuse and rape. Winnie M Li weaves a story that is compelling, courageous and brutal in the best possible way. * Liz Nugent *Winnie's skill as a writer is to forge out of a familiar film story one that is beautifully unique. It haunted me when I was away from it. An emotionally complex story, it ripples with foreboding and tension. Utterly compulsive reading. * Sarah Winman *A nuanced and very insightful look at the power dynamics within the film industry that lead to sexual assault, racial inequality, and the ruin of women's careers. I could not put it down. * Julie Cohen *COMPLICIT gives an insider's perspective on the murky, hidden world of the film industry, a bang-up-to-date me-too story that is as poignant as it is shocking. I was completely gripped by it. Winnie M. Li is a unique voice in crime fiction. * Jane Casey *Winnie M. Li's new novel focuses on one of the leading questions of our times: how complicit are we all in cultures of sexual harms and abuse? Never one to shirk difficult topics, Li takes readers on a roller-coster ride through our ethical obligations to other people, and ourselves. A beautifully written and riveting novel. * Professor Joanna Bourke *Complicit is a powerful but cleverly nuanced indictment of abuse of power which should set alarm bells ringing throughout the film industry. It shows how easily people's ambition can blind them to what's happening around them and sends them a clear a message: 'you could be next.' Timely, entirely believable and feverishly readable, Complicit will be huge. * Trevor Wood *Totally intoxicating, COMPLICIT is a heady mix of soul-crushingly devastating but also thrillingly glamorous. If you're into the real behind-the-scenes of Hollywood, I can't recommend this enough. It's the vacation read you NEED to pack. * Laura Jane Williams *Harrowing, powerful, and impossible to forget, COMPLICIT is a novel very much immersed in today's issues and complexities, while also managing to be strikingly intimate and charged with emotion. Winnie M Li explores the dark corners of entrenched power dynamics to shed a light on society as a whole, and she does it masterfully and with precision. A magnificent book. * Alex Segura *Some stories are so important, they can only be told by the right person. Winnie M Li is one such master storyteller, and COMPLICIT is the masterpiece. What a book. * Leye Adenle *A real page turner and definitely a book that made me both squirm and reflect on what it means to be a woman in the film industry. Winnie writes with such detail and authority. I loved Sarah Lai's complex history and seeing the choices she made as a Asian American woman - not only was she a woman in the film business, she was a Chinese diaspora woman and the complexities that come with that. I loved it. * Maisie Chan *So powerful. Will stay with me for a long time. * Charlotte Jacklin *A compulsively readable meditation on power: who wields it, who wants it, and who suffers at the hands of it. The talent, work ethic, and ambitions of an immigrant daughter are no match for an amoral, billionaire film mogul. Or are they? Timely and intelligent, Complicit exposes Tinseltown's dark side and will resonate with any woman who has ever tried to make it to the top. * Jini Reddy *Literally couldn't put this one down ... a really gripping page turner. * Jan Carson *Winnie M Li writes with a precise, skilful hand. In Complicit, she crafts a masterful portrait of unfettered power: the excesses of men who have it and the exploitation of women who do not. Unsettling, intelligent and wholly compulsive, Complicit is a novel for our times but also for the ages. * Kia Abdullah *Complicit is a must read for anyone who's sat in a movie theater, watched an entertainment show, or followed their favorite celebrity on social media. It's a harrowing explanation of how powerful men are able to get away with so much for so long - as seen through the eyes of an unforgettable heroine whose dreams to make movies becomes a nightmare. You'll never look at the film industry the same again. * Kellye Garrett *An excellent, well-crafted book that exposes the depravity that lies beneath the glitz and glamour of the film industry - although its message is equally appropriate to any world in which a blind eye is turned to the abuse of power over the vulnerable. * Rachel Abbott *In this page turning story of one woman's struggle, Li thrusts the reader into the film industry's dark and deep-seated culture of rampant sexism and unbridled male ego...and the terrible cost of staying silent. An utterly compelling read. * Liv Constantine *A sharply written and absorbing dive into a dark and glamorous world. As timely as it is entertaining, this spectacular novel hooked me from the first page. Winnie M Li is a remarkable talent. * Cristina Alger *You know that bit where you finish a novel but you still feel 'in' it? That's where I am right now with Complicit. A really absorbing, insightful dive into the film industry's MeToo movement, publishing this June. * Niamh Hargan *The metoo novel that's going to take the world by storm. * Paul McVeigh *A gripping, nuanced and believable novel about some of the stories behind the MeToo movement. * Libby Page *With slick, addictive writing and highly relatable characters, Complicit is both engrossing and enraging! A thought-provoking blockbuster about the dark side of the Hollywood movie industry. * Allie Reynolds *In Complicit, author Winnie M Li paints a claustrophobic picture of the entangling deceit, wilful blindness, and outright harassment that has gone unchallenged in the film industry for so long. A thought-provoking and heartfelt exposé of the sleazy underbelly of the Hollywood dream. * Vaseem Khan *Beguiling and terrifying, Complicit is an illuminating novel about the struggle to survive as a woman in modern Hollywood and at what cost. A thought-provoking, addictive read - I couldn't put it down. * Stephanie Scott *Winnie M Li gives us an insider view of the intoxicating and corrupt world of the movie industry that often places women in a no-win situation. Her lead character, Sarah Lai, faces both sexism and racism in following her ambition to become a producer. How much of her integrity is she willing to sacrifice? Moving through New York City, the Cannes Film Festival and Hollywood, Complicit is a page turner for our times. * Naomi Hirahara *COMPLICIT is simply brilliant. Beautiful writing, a compelling story, an intriguing structure-I was captivated from the first paragraph to the last. Li pulls back the veil on the glamorous film industry to show its less-than-savory side, yes, but it's the empathetic lead Sarah Lei who makes the novel truly special. Her journey from eager film student to capable producer to wise and remorseful screenwriting teacher blowing the whistle on a former colleague will touch the hearts of anyone who's made choices that they later regret. Like the fallout from the #MeToo movement, this story will resonate for years to come. * JT Ellison *Like John Grisham did with the legal profession in The Firm, Winnie Li's Complicit provides an insider's look at the film industry that is full of suspense. * Peter Swanson *Ingeniously constructed, traversing searing aspects of race, class, gender, Complicit gallops to a surprise finish, toggling back and forth from present to past and back again without losing any of its propulsive momentum. A page-turning read that also makes you think. * Marie Myung-Ok Lee *COMPLICIT by Winnie M Li is one of the best novels about the dark side of Hollywood that I have read. Winnie understands the inner workings of the movie business, but more importantly, she understands the moral complexity and emotional tolls of working in a business that doesn't just tolerate, but actively rewards bad behavior. It's about how your dreams are used against you, and how power seduces, and how quickly moral grayness fades to black. * Jordan Harper *A propulsive page-turner, Winnie M. Li's Complicit is a glittering story of ambition, regret, corruption and ultimately hope. Sarah Lai is an unforgettable protagonist. * Vanessa Hua *A compelling, thought-provoking read about responsibility and guilt. Unsettling but addictive. Brilliant. * Caroline Hulse *This astonishing novel draws on the author's film industry expertise and painful experience to explore questions posed by the ongoing wave of #MeToo revelations. How do such things continue to happen in plain sight? Who are the enablers? And what is the cost of complicity? * Catherine Mayer *Winnie M Li's new novel gives us an insider's view of the film industry's notorious dark side, asking important questions about power and complicity. Complicit is a fiction that is all too real. * Una, Award-winning author of BECOMING UNBECOMING and EVE *Fearless, fascinating, a gripping story of harassment, power and money. Winnie M Li draws in powerful strokes a world of creativity and beauty, the glamour of the silver screen, but also a world of exploitation and cruelty, where women are fodder and men just laugh. A searing dissection of power. * Kate Williams *Complicit is an amazing examination of the film industry-one that could only be written by someone deeply familiar with that world and its players. But the novel is so much more than an exposé. I was captivated by the main character, Sarah Lai, and her struggle to come to terms with her role in a troubled film production. This timely and thrilling book raises tough questions about justice and revenge. Don't miss it. * David Heska Wanbli Weiden, author of Winter Counts *A visceral and timely novel... There is no doubt that Li knows the world she writes about intimately... Li's novel is a way of acknowledging the women whose stories have been heard, and those who haven't. * The Observer *Complicit by Winnie M Li is the first book to explore the #MeToo movement in Hollywood from someone behind the camera... It's a striking look at power dynamics within the film industry from the perspective of producers. It asks the important question of what would you ignore to get ahead? Would you stay silent to protect your career and your dreams? Author Winnie M Li is herself a former film producer and the survivor of a sexual assault. She's an empowering example, really, of a woman who refused to stay silent and wants to encourage other women to do the same, to destabilise the power structures in place that fail to protect women. -- Mariella Frostrup * Times Radio *An excellent thriller... grippingly readable and fired by righteous anger. * The Daily Mirror *The all-consuming movie-making world and a powerful, predatory boss are described with such convincing, compelling clarity. * The Times *Sarah's harrowing story reveals how easy it is for someone to compromise their principles in the pursuit of success... A timely & important read. * The Daily Mail *A must-read for anyone who's ever wondered what really goes on behind Hollywood's PR-approved glamour... A timely reminder that we should never lose sight of the #MeToo movement. * Stylist *This left an impact long after reading... You'll have definite feelings about it when you finish it. I inhaled it. * The Belfast Telegraph *A sharp and timely look into the dark heart of Hollywood... [A] rollercoaster read. * Elle *Both a #MeToo thriller and a complex literary achievement that sheds an important light on Hollywood's darkest secrets and brings an essential and underrepresented perspective - that of an Asian-American film producer - to the fore. * CrimeReads *Li skillfully depicts the ways in which powerful people exploit and abuse those trying to get a foothold in the film industry... Intriguing. * Publishers Weekly *Li draws on her experience in the film industry to bring authenticity and raw honesty to her second novel, a timely page-turner that explores the emotional impact of sexual assault. * BookList *Complicit functions as both warning and gossipy good read. * LitReactor *A deliciously dark novel. * Woman and Home *A timely #MeToo thriller. * Bella *Delves into the underbelly of Hollywood, exposing the injustices of the film industry. * Woman's Weekly *Winnie M Li takes tricky subject matter and mines it for potent, transfixing drama. * The A.V. Club *A tense, slow-burn thriller about Hollywood, ambition, and power * Grazia Daily *

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Book Synopsis**A Red magazine book of 2023**''The most charming, utterly lovely story I''ve read in ages... this is one of my books of the year'' RED ''This joyous novel is a feast for the senses, as well as the soul'' JOANNA NELLA warm-hearted debut novel set in the beautiful coastal city of Chennai, for fans of Alexander McCall Smith, Joanna Nell and Graeme Simsion.Grand Life Apartments is a middle-class apartment block surrounded by lush gardens in the coastal city of Chennai, India. It is the home of Kamala, a pious, soon-to-be retired dentist who spends her days counting down to the annual visits from her daughter who is studying in the UK. Her neighbour, Revathi, is a thirty-two-year-old engineer who is frequently reminded by her mother that she has reached her expiry date in the arranged marriage market. Jason, a British chef, has impulsively moved to India to escape his recent heartbreak in London.Trade ReviewThe most charming, utterly lovely story I've read in ages . . . With characters you absolutely root for and mouth-watering descriptions of delicious food, this is one of my books of the year * Red Magazine *From the vibrant setting to its engaging characters, this joyous novel is a feast for the senses, as well as the soul -- Joanna NellI was put in mind of Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City. Just daily life and its 'small disturbances' but rendered with great observational acuity and a distinctive and evocative voice -- Graeme SimsionIt's utterly entrancing - so humane and funny, and so seeped in India that I could smell the cooking and breathe the exhaust fumes. I absolutely loved it from start to finish -- Deborah MoggachWarm, gorgeous, tender, hopeful and human. I felt so HAPPY when I was reading it -- Daisy BuchananAn enchanting hug of a book with characters that you'll really root for -- Nikki MayA super warm and lovely read . . . Should have a warning though: WILL MAKE YOU HUNGRY -- Kate SawyerHema Sukumar's debut is an absolute joy. I loved being transported to the Grand Life Apartments and I was bewitched by the characters, colours and tastes of Chennai. Please can I move in forever? -- Clare PooleyA gorgeous, beautifully-written story, full of wonderfully charming characters - and a loveable cat -- Nick BradleyWritten with such warmth . . . full of life and love. Hema Sukumar's lovely characters became like friends to me, and I adored spending time with them -- Sara Nisha AdamsI can picture this as a TV series - and I would definitely watch it * Belfast Telegraph *I loved this heartwarming read * Prima Magazine *Inspiring * Woman's Own *This charming debut is an absolute joy * Good Housekeeping *

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Book SynopsisAs evil spreads across Gotham City, Batman''s allies, including Red Robin, Batwing, Robin, Batgirl, the Birds of Prey, Nightwing and even Catwoman find themselves in a battle coming from all sides. The Court of Owls have shown their hand, and it''s up to the collective effort of these heroes, some more unlikely than others, in this sprawling tale of corruption and violence.  This epic springs from the pen of Scott Snyder, New York Times bestselling author of Batman: The Black Mirror and American Vampire, as well as creators Judd Winick, David Finch, Peter J. Tomasi, Pat Gleason, Tony Daniel, Scott Lobdell, Duane Swierczynski, JH Williams III, Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray! This volume collects the following issues: Batman #8-11, Nightwing #8-9, All Star Western #9, Catwoman #9, Batgirl #9, Batman: Dark Knight #9, Batman and Robin #9, Birds of Prey #9, <Trade Review"Easily the most anticipated Bat book in some time"—Complex Magazine"Snyder and artist Greg Capullo once again deliver a riveting chapter of their Bat-saga."—IGN"One of those stories that is destined to go down in history as a premiere Batman tale."—Craveonline

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Book SynopsisThe new Doom Patrol puts itself back together after nearly being destroyed, and things start to get a lot weirder for everybody. The Chief leads Robotman, the recently formed Rebis and new member Crazy Jane against the Scissormen, part of a dangerous philosophical location that has escaped into our world and is threatening to engulf reality itself.Collecting Grant Morrison''s definitive run, which launched his career as one of the comic industry''s most innovative and creative writers!Collects Doom Patrol #19-63 and Doom Force Special #1.

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Book SynopsisThe Stars Look Down was A.J. Cronin''s fourth novel, published in 1935, and this tale of a North country mining family was a great favourite with his readers.Robert Fenwick is a miner, and so are his three sons. His wife is proud that all her four men go down the mines. But David, the youngest, is determined that somehow he will educate himself and work to ameliorate the lives of his comrades who ruin their health to dig the nation''s coal. It is, perhaps, a typical tale of the era in which it was written - there were many novels about coal mining, but Cronin, a doctor turned author, had a gift for storytelling, and in his time wrote several very popular and successful novels.In the magnificent narrative tradition of The Citadel, Hatter''s Castle and Cronin''s other novels, The Stars Look Down is deservedly remembered as a classic of its age.

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Book SynopsisFOURTEEN DAYS, THREE SISTERS AND THE MOTHER OF ALL LIES''Radhika has the ability to create characters who make us laugh while pulling on our heartstrings. This book is a joy'' Jane Fallon''A heartwarming novel'' Sheila O''Flanagan''Whip-smart, laugh out loud hilarious, and has so much heart'' Beth Reekles-----Reeva Mehta is thriving. Consumed in her career as one of London''s top divorce lawyers, she doesn''t bat an eyelid when her mum calls to tell her that her dad is dead. Because he''s been dead since she was five . . . hasn''t he?If finding out her dad was alive - until last week - wasn''t bad enough, his last request was for his daughters to spend fourteen days in mourning at his house. Which means Reeva must spend a fortnight stuck with the people who betrayed her when she needed them the most - her sisters.Navigating her absent Bollywood megastar mother, newly deaTrade ReviewI absolutely LOVED I Wish We Weren't Related! It's hilariously funny, totally heartfelt and completely original - a perfect comedy about family, sisterhood and self-discovery. I learned so much about Hindu culture and really related to the stresses of dealing with difficult friendships, family drama and alopecia to boot. Radhika Sanghani is a huge talent! -- Laura Price, author of Single Bald FemaleA heartwarming novel about families and how to survive them -- Sheila O'Flanagan, bestselling author of Three Weddings and a ProposalI absolutely loved it! It was like a glorious warm hug of a book! -- Harriet MinterI Wish We Weren't Related is a knock-out. It's whip-smart, laugh out loud hilarious, and has so much heart and raw emotion that it keeps you gripped with every turn of the page. I adored every moment. This is one that will stay with you long after you finish reading! -- Beth ReeklesRadhika has the ability to create characters who make us laugh while pulling on our heartstrings. This book is a joy -- Jane Fallon

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