9 Most Riveting Novels I’ve Read Lately

Is there anything better than reading? I’ve been just a little obsessed lately, which might have something to do with the lofty goal I set myself on Goodreads: 100 books to finish by December. It’s going to be a challenge, but I figure there are zero downsides of being motivated to read more books.

I had grand plans of doing my ‘best of’ list for 2020, but in the midst of all our ‘getting ready to move house’ reality, I kind of missed that boat. So, here’s my list of fiction that I have been unable to tear myself away from.

1. American Dirt (Jeanine Cummins)

I kept hearing this book come up for various reasons – some loved it and felt such a sense of loss once they had finished the final page, others seemed to think it was unforgivable racist hate literature. Obviously I was intrigued.

Having now read the book for myself I’m very much at a loss as to where the latter perspective is coming from. After I finished, I went back and read the infamous review that started the furore and to be honest, I ended up wondering if we had read the same book at all.

For me, the book was well-written, evocative, heart-breaking and heart-warming, rich, layered, brilliant and beautiful. It spoke of someone who had poured her own heart and soul into a work of fiction and had done considerable research, including visiting the places she had written about in order to get a real sense for the people and issues she covered.

This wasn’t a particularly political book, despite the subject matter, because it was deeper than that. It speaks to the divide that runs right through the heart of every human and how, regardless of race, we can spread light and hope, or be agents of darkness. I thoroughly recommend this book, and look forward to reading many more such novels that are destined for the ‘book bonfire’, because I think that perhaps diversity of opinion has become unpalatable for too many ‘cultural Marxists’.

2. I Am Pilgrim (Terry Hayes)

This book isn’t for everyone – it seems you either love it or hate it according to Goodreads reviews, but for me, it felt like entering another world. A world which stealthily operates behind the veil of what we see as ‘reality’. Sure, it’s probably all fiction, but the way in which Hayes unravels the story, layer upon layer, and builds tension and complexity is masterful. Scott Murdoch (or whatever you want to call him) is a protagonist of mystery, a person you never quite get a handle on, despite being told the story from his perspective most of the time. The Saracen is truly terrifying as well, but in a clinically understandable way, given his backstory. There really is so much going on and it can be a little overwhelming at times, but it was one hell of a (sometimes sadistic) ride. Recommended if you don’t scare easily (I had to skim read some bits) and if you like your stories big and unflinching.

3. The Hunting Party (Lucy Foley)

This murder mystery was incredibly evocative and made me feel as if I was living in a lodge in the middle of the Scottish Highlands. I love Agatha Christie and Tana French so this was a perfect mix for me. I found the psychological investigation through five perspectives (Katie, Miranda, Emma, Heather and Doug) very interesting and it kept the pace moving along nicely. This is the kind of book that you read the reveal and then realise how all the seemingly throwaway lines were placed just perfectly to make you think ‘of course!’. (Also, couldn’t stop casting Doug, the gamekeeper as David Tennant! Anyone else?)

4. The Good Sister (Sally Hepworth)

If you love good Australian domestic fiction, like Liane Moriarty, Hepworth is fast becoming a master in this genre. This tale, told from the perspective of Fern, the quirky sister, is expertly crafted and keeps you guessing until the end. It does have a slightly creepy edge to it, but this is domestic suspense at its finest, with exceptionally developed characters and an unfolding plot that lures you in. Loved the themes of memory, ASD, twins and the romantic element between Fern and Wally.

5. Anxious People (Fredrick Backman)

It’s difficult to describe the magic of this book. On the face of it, the plot appears quite serious and heart-breaking, yet the experience of reading it is akin to sitting in front of a flickering fire having a conversation with many witty remarks peppered throughout and a satisfying exploration of the complexity of human nature. In fact, this would have to be one of my favourite books of the year. (I was even tempted to put out a bowl of limes for our own recent open for inspection, as a tribute!).

6. The Switch (Beth O’Leary)

If you appreciate looking at life through a variety of perspectives, particularly those derived from different generations, this is the book for you. Eileen and Leena effectively swap lives – from a charming little cottage in a tiny Yorkshire village, to the hustle and bustle of London. Through the experience they learn something important about themselves, transform the communities that they enter and reflect back previously unseen truths to each other. It is also worth noting that the audio version of this book is thoroughly enjoyable. This is one of those books that you miss the moment you finish it.

7. The Survivors (Jane Harper)

I would genuinely read anything Jane Harper writes, because she has such an exceptional way of crafting plots and characters, and weaving them into locations that hum with life – in this case, coastal Tasmania. This one follows the theme of small town brimming with secrets, and unfinished business haunting the main character. Keiran is forced to come to terms with the grief and regret of his past when he returns home and a body is discovered, forcing the community to examine what really happened all those years ago.

8. The Midnight Library (Matt Haig)

Nora Seed has to discover whether life is, indeed, worth living, after falling into despair, and the way she goes about finding out is epic to say the least. There is a reason why this was voted the best fiction book in the Goodreads competition of 2020. Excellently put together, fascinating sci-fi style concept, insightful philosophy woven effortlessly throughout. Must read.

9. The Flat Share (Beth O’Leary)

Are you allowed to have two books by the same author in ‘best of’ list?

This is one of those books where I just really missed ‘hanging out’ with the characters as soon as I had finished it. Tiffy and Leon are so likeable and endearing and I loved the gradual unfolding of their relationship, as well as the drama of ex-boyfriends, the hilariously cast friends and the inside look into the publishing industry. Beth O’Leary is such a good writer, with a keen insight into human nature and I relish the chance to spend time in the worlds that she creates. Great on audiobook as well. 

If you love books as much as I do, you are in the right place! Let me know what you are reading and what you’ve loved lately. Feel free to follow along on Goodreads to get my reviews in real time.

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