January 2022 Reading: I Love You but I’ve Chosen Darkness; Great Circle; Sorrow and Bliss; This One Sky Day; Magpie; The Happiness Factory; Wahala; A Net for Small Fishes; The Confessions of Frannie Langton; The Last House on Needless Street; At Night All Blood Is Black

I’ve been on such a roll with reading this month, and have loved every single book I’ve chosen. As usual, I’ve gone for quite a mix, but I’d happily recommend all eleven of these beauties!

I Love You but I’ve Chosen Darkness by Claire Vaye Watkins (2022)

I really enjoyed this bold, original book. A fascinating and courageous exploration of what happens when a woman realises the roles of wife and mother are not ones she can play any longer, I Love You but I’ve Chosen Darkness is a powerful read. You can see my full review here.

Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead (2021)

This is a stunning, epic novel that I wish I’d read sooner. I was slightly put off by its size, but, appropriately enough, I flew through it. A wonderful story, one that will stay with me. My full review of Great Circle is here.

Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason (2021)

I was initially reluctant to read this because of all the hype, but that was foolish of me. Sorrow and Bliss is an addictive, funny, moving read that I absolutely loved. Read my full review here.

This One Sky Day by Leone Ross (2021)

I had a feeling this book would be right up my street, and it absolutely was. A strange, wonderful novel, full of colour and magic and beauty and human messiness. I adored it. You can read my full review of This One Sky Day here.

Magpie by Elizabeth Day (2021)

This was another gripping read – I devoured it in one sitting. Read my full review here.

The Happiness Factory by Jo McMillan (2022)

Bluemoose Books never disappoints – and The Happiness Factory is no exception. A fresh, original story with a protagonist who captured my heart. My full review is here.

Wahala by Nikki May (2022)

Another book I just couldn’t put down, Wahala is a fantastic debut full of comic touches, female friendship, refreshing insights and unexpected twists. I loved this novel, and I want Ronke to be my best friend. My full review of Wahala is here.

A Net for Small Fishes by Lucy Jago (2021)

I enjoyed this story of friendship and intrigue in the Jacobean court so much. I was completely immersed in the world that Jago paints, and Anne and Frankie’s relationship is beautifully nuanced and engrossing. My full review is here.

The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins (2019)

This is a brilliant historical fiction novel, and has shot into my top reads of all time! I can’t recommend it highly enough. You can read my full review here.

The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward (2021)

I am still undecided as to whether to write a full review of this outstanding novel, as I think my main advice is: “Trust me, just read it!” I feel like the less you know going in, the better – have faith in Ward’s incredible skills and ride the story wave to the very end. One of the cleverest books I’ve ever read.

At Night All Blood Is Black by David Diop translated by Anna Moschovakis (2021)

This winner of the International Booker Prize is a lyrical, powerful, strange book that held me in its grip throughout. I’ll try and get a full review up soon, but this was an unforgettable read.

A great reading month has been a wonderful way to kick off 2022, and I’m excited to see what the rest of the year brings! Do let me know if you’ve read any of these, or if you’re planning to!

Happy reading!

Ellie x