Line by Niall Bourke (2021)
I was utterly gripped by this brilliant speculative fiction novel. It starts out as one thing and becomes quite another – I can’t say much more for fear of spoilers, but trust me, you need to read this book! You can read my full review of Line here.
The Idea of You by Robinne Lee (2017)
This book is HOT, HOT, HOT – a perfect slice of summer escapism! I devoured it joyously – you can read my full review here. Highly recommended if you want to lose yourself for a few hours.
Colouring In by Nigel Stewart (2019)
This is an intensely psychological novel, a detailed portrait of a man caught between his past and his future. For me, it really got going in the second half of the book. You can read my full thoughts here.
A Hundred Million Years and a Day by Jean-Baptiste Andrea translated by Sam Taylor (2021)
It is rare to come across a book that manages to be both a thrilling adventure and a profound meditation on life, but this beautifully written novel achieves just that. A palaeontologist goes on a mission to find a dinosaur fossil inside an Alpine glacier, and as he and his team search, the gorgeous prose probes past and present to reveal the truth. Simply stunning. You can read my full review of this brilliant book here.
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint (2021)
I knew I was going to love this book, being a massive fan of anything connected to Ancient Greece, and it did not disappoint. Saint strikes the perfect balance between classical authenticity and a fresh perspective, and I was thoroughly immersed in the story she weaves. You can read my full review of Ariadne here.
Pah by Orla Owen (2021)
I loved this deliciously dark book – a truly original read, with one of the most fantastically unlikeable protagonists I’ve come across. Highly recommended! You can read my full review of Pah here.
Elena Knows by Claudia Pineiro translated by Frances Riddle (2021)
My review for this excellent novel from Charco Press is coming soon – I really enjoyed this one, Elena is a fascinating protagonist, investigating her daughter’s death while dealing with her own declining health. It’s fresh and engrossing, and I’m looking forward to sharing my full thoughts!
Fault Lines by Emily Itami (2021)
Another one pending review! I adored this book – Itami immerses the reader in Mizuki’s world, as we follow her attempts to brighten an unsatisfactory existence. This is a bold, modern story that not only transports you to Tokyo, but also opens up wider issues. I definitely recommend getting your hands on this beautiful book.
Falling Is Like Flying by Manon Uphoff translated by Sam Garrett (2021)
This is a shocking, hugely powerful memoir – a reckoning with an abusive childhood that pushes the boundaries of what writing is capable of. It’s definitely not an easy read, but it’s a reading experience I won’t forget. My full review will be up on the blog soon.
Dear Mrs Bird by AJ Pearce (2018)
Since I was lucky enough to receive a proof of the sequel, Yours Cheerfully, I bought AJ Pearce’s debut novel to read first. I know lots of you adored this one, and I can count myself among your ranks now! Comforting, funny, poignant – this was a glorious read, made all the better by knowing that I had more of Emmy’s adventures in 1940s London to come.
Yours Cheerfully by AJ Pearce (2021)
I enjoyed this just as much as Dear Mrs Bird, and it was a joy to dive straight into another book following Emmy and her friends. I’ll get a review up for this one soon, but safe to say, I loved it!
It’s been a good month of reading, although I have fallen behind on my readalongs – I have some catching up to do with Poirot in particular! I really like how varied the books I have read this month have been. Lots to look forward to on the TBR in August, too!
Thanks as always to the publishers and authors who have sent me copies to review, and to all of you lovely folk who boost my posts! I know I have a few reviews to catch up on, so keep an eye on the blog for those!
Happy reading!
Ellie x
Elspells 