We break down everything we read in May 2021 from new and forthcoming releases to some back-list reads – from Natasha Lunn to Taylor Jenkins-Reid and Maggie O’Farrell.
Holding Her Breath, Eimear Ryan (Penguin, 2021), C+
Eimear Ryan’s forthcoming novel tells the coming of age story of Beth Crowe, as she starts her journey at university, shadowed by the ghostof her potential as a competitive swimmer and as she attempts to create an identity for herself outside both her swimming career and her family history (she is the granddaughter of a famous poet). For fans of Sally Rooney, this is a fresh and exciting summer read.
Pre-order a copy here.
Hamnet, Maggie O’Farrell (Tinder Press, 2020), A+
Maggie O’Farrell’s first historical novel is the fictional story behind Shakespeare’s famous play – the story of the death of Shakespeare’s son and the effect on his life.
Read our full review here.
Pick up a copy here.
Conversations on Love, Natasha Lunn (Penguin, 2021), A+
Natasha Lunn’s Conversations on Love examines love in all of its many forms – it’s an astonishing, joyful celebration of love, from some of the most important voices in literature.
Pre-order a copy here.
The Last Thing He Told Me, Laura Dave (Profile Books, 2021) B+
The Last Thing He Told Me is a propulsive mystery. Hannah finds out that her husband Owen has gone missing and she seeks to uncover the truth behind his disappearance with her step-daughter Bailey.
Read our full review here.
Pick up a copy here.
Malibu Rising, Taylor Jenkins Reid (Cornerstone, 2021) A
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s latest novel is as compelling and propulsive as Daisy Jones, it’s the story of siblings growing up in Malibu and the events that unfold around one night.
Pick up a copy here.
Eat a Peach, David Chang (Penguin, 2020), A-
David Chang’s phenomenal memoir is the story of a man succeeding against the odds – it’s an inspiring story even for those for whom Momofuku means nothing.
Read our full review here.
Pick up a copy here.
The Push, Ashley Audrain (Penguin, 2021) B+
The Push is a psychological drama, telling the story of the unravelling of a family – a woman whose initial experience with motherhood does not live up to her expectations.
Read our full review here.
Pick up a copy here.
