We break down everything we read in April 2021 from new and forthcoming releases to some back-list reads from Jenny Lee to Emily Henry and Dawnie Walton.
Anna K., Jenny Lee (Penguin, 2020), B-
Jenny Lee’s incredible YA novel is a remaking of Anna Karenina, set in a Gossip-Girl-esque glittering world of Manhattan – a world of unsupervised teens leading wild lives. Anna K is a socialite in the Manhattan set who falls in love with Alexia and grapples with her feelings for him over her boyfriend.
Read the full review here.
Pick up a copy here.
The Girl with the Louding Voice, Abi Daré (Sceptre, 2020), A-
Abi Daré’s thoughtfully crafted novel tells the story of Adunni who is sold in marriage to an older man, but then escapes her grave circumstances in pursuit of a better life for herself and ultimately education. It’s a difficult story of cruelty and oppression in a multitude of forms.
Read the full review here.
Pick up a copy here.
You and Me on Vacation, Emily Henry (Penguin, 2021), A+
Set for release this summer, Emily Henry’s sweet and charming novel tells the story of Alex and Poppy who meet at college and travel on one trip together every summer. This is a stunningly propulsive beach read that is a more human version of Harry Met Sally (with far more likeable protagonists).
Pre-order a copy here.
The Final Revival of Opal and Nev, Dawnie Walton (Quercus, 2021), A
Offering a grittier version of Daisy Jones and the Six, this novel tells the story of Opal and Nev – a punk-rock duo and their rise and fall, dealing with the difficult themes of racism, feminism and more.
Read the full review here.
Pick up a copy here.
The Prophets, Robert Jones Jr. (riverrun, 2021), B-
This debut novel by Jones Jr. tells the story of the forbidden love affair between two slaves – Samuel and Isaiah – in the Deep South. It’s uncomfortable, painful and displays the breadth of human oppression and cruelty.
Pick up a copy here.
Non-Fiction
Hood Feminism, Mikki Kendall, B
A vitally important read for any person who considers themselves a ‘feminist’ – showing the problematic interplay between race and feminist relations. Kendall offers an eye opening and uncomfortable dialogue on feminism.
Pick up a copy here.
