Regular readers of my blog (hi, both of you) will know that I have pretty wide-ranging tastes in terms of books. However, even for me, this month was a very eclectic selection! From mind-melting prose to cosy fireside reading, from dazzling historical fiction to achingly modern short stories, this month was a deliciously varied diet of literary delights. I’d love to know if you’ve read any of these, or if I have managed to pique your interest with any of them!
The Girl From The Hermitage by Molly Gartland (2020)
This debut novel, which begins during the siege of Leningrad, was an immersive and surprising read. I reviewed it for the blog tour here. Galina is a truly wonderful character, one who will stay with me for a long time. It’s hard to believe this is Molly Gartland’s first novel – it is an assured and perfectly crafted book.
A Girl Made of Air by Nydia Hetherington (2020)
I was sufficiently confident that this was an ‘Ellie-ish’ sort of book to pre-order this beauty, and I wasn’t disappointed. You can read my full review of this gorgeous book here. A glorious peek behind the curtain, revealing the realities behind the glitz and glamour of circus life, this is a wonderful debut novel.
Girl by Maria Straw Cinar (2020)
Reading this book was a real experience; one that left me quite unsettled, to say the least! This book is not for the faint-hearted, but if you are after something more than a little bit different, have a look at my review here. It is the kind of exciting, totally different read that I would never have come across before getting involved with Book Twitter, and I am grateful to have had the chance to try out something so extraordinary.
Exercises in Control by Annabel Banks (2020)
I keep meaning to read more short story collections, and I keep getting distracted by novels! I am so glad I managed to fit in this slim but powerful book this month. You can read my full review here. These stories are sharp and modern, reminiscent of the brilliant collection by Mary South which I read earlier this year, but with a special flavour all Banks’ own.
The Secret of Creek Cottage by Tina M Edwards (2020)
This was a real comfort read, just what I needed after some pretty abrasive, mind-bending reading. You can read my full thoughts on this lovely book here. If you are after a cosy autumnal read with a hint of something spooky, this is the book for you.
Should We Fall Behind by Sharon Duggal (2020)
This is the third book published by Bluemoose Books in their year of only publishing women writers. I had previously read, loved and raved about Saving Lucia and The Sound Mirror, and was dubious as to whether I would feel as strongly about this one, but thankfully it was another absolute gem. You can read my full review of this beautifully written and deeply important book here.
Love Orange by Natasha Randall (2020)
I think this may be the most fun reading experience I have had so far this year. Not only is the book itself perfectly matched to by rather quirky, dark sense of humour, but I read it along with a whole load of other bookish Twitter folk for a buddy read organised by the publisher, riverrun books. The whole thing has been tons of fun, a very different way of reading books for me, as I normally gobble them up in one go, but it is the perfect book to discuss with fellow book lovers. My full review will be up on the 5th October. Spoiler alert: I loved it.
A Place Remote by Gwen Goodkin (2020)
This debut collection of short stories is a revelation – I feel as if Gwen Goodkin is definitely a writer to watch. You can read my full review of this brilliant book here. I loved the back and forth from the rural Ohio town, characters stretching their wings and travelling far, but always feeling the pull of home. A very special book.
Elspells 