Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
What we're reading

Find your new favourite book or recommend one on our Book forum.

Original poster

Lionel Shriver

30 replies

Troubledwords · 01/08/2025 07:13

I've into Lionel Shriver's books recently, had read We Need To Talk About Kevin years ago. Now going through my local library's collection, I've read so far Should we stay or should we go and Standing Chandelier, now currently reading The motion of the body through space.

Who else has read a lot by her and what would you recommend? I don't know how many more the library has or that I can order in, but I can ask.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Original poster
Troubledwords · 16/08/2025 10:32

AnotherVice · 16/08/2025 09:13

I’ve just read Should we stay or should we go, but my favourite is definitely So much for that.

I've read this one, I enjoyed it. The different versions of their lives.

OP posts:
SunsetCocktails · 16/08/2025 09:56

Troubledwords · 16/08/2025 07:00

I've given in and borrowed The Mandibles from the library. Won't have time to start it until Monday though.

I’ve just started my copy. Enjoying it so far!

AnotherVice · 16/08/2025 09:13

I’ve just read Should we stay or should we go, but my favourite is definitely So much for that.

Freysimo · 16/08/2025 07:17

I liked Should We Stay or Should We Go, about an elderly couple, one of whom reneges on a potential suicide pact. I'm old myself so it resonated!

Original poster
Troubledwords · 16/08/2025 07:00

I've given in and borrowed The Mandibles from the library. Won't have time to start it until Monday though.

OP posts:
Dappy777 · 05/08/2025 17:38

chunkymarmalade · 01/08/2025 12:59

I agree with this. I’ve liked all her books but The Mandibles would be the stand out one for me.

Show quote history

Yes, I agree.

SunsetCocktails · 05/08/2025 10:17

NorthFaceofthelaundrypile · 01/08/2025 09:31

So much for that - about US health care system was very good too.

I recently read this, really enjoyed it and I actually really liked the ending.
I’ve got The Mandibles in my to read pile, bought for £1 in a charity shop.

NotMyRealAccount · 05/08/2025 09:49

Another shout for The Mandibles and Big Brother, and I've recently read and enjoyed Mania.

5foot5 · 05/08/2025 09:45

NewDogOwner · 05/08/2025 06:30

The new one Mania sounds great: satirising the current woke nuttery in the world.

Yes it does that very well. It is just one of those things where you feel like watching through your fingers and squirming sometimes. The sort of situation where you believe the main character is 100% in the right and it is everyone else who is nuts, but she definitely blunders in where angels fear to tread.

5foot5 · 05/08/2025 09:42

Troubledwords · 05/08/2025 06:28

Without spoilers, as I will finish it, what did you think of The Motion of the Body Through Space? I'm a few chapters in, and I'm just not getting into it like her other books.

Looks like once I get a few books finished I'm going to have to try The Mandibles

Show quote history

I don't think it gripped me as much as her others but it is worth finishing. The main character gets a justification, of sorts.

Definitelysometime · 05/08/2025 08:12

NorthFaceofthelaundrypile · 01/08/2025 09:31

So much for that - about US health care system was very good too.

Yes, So Much For That is excellent

NewDogOwner · 05/08/2025 06:30

The new one Mania sounds great: satirising the current woke nuttery in the world.

Original poster
Troubledwords · 05/08/2025 06:28

5foot5 · 04/08/2025 22:51

Another vote for The Mandibles. This was the first of her novels I read and is probably still my favourite. I have read several now (We need to talk about Kevin, Should we stay or should we go, The motion of the body through space and Mania) Enjoyed them all but found Mania a pretty uncomfortable read.

Without spoilers, as I will finish it, what did you think of The Motion of the Body Through Space? I'm a few chapters in, and I'm just not getting into it like her other books.

Looks like once I get a few books finished I'm going to have to try The Mandibles

OP posts:
5foot5 · 04/08/2025 22:51

Another vote for The Mandibles. This was the first of her novels I read and is probably still my favourite. I have read several now (We need to talk about Kevin, Should we stay or should we go, The motion of the body through space and Mania) Enjoyed them all but found Mania a pretty uncomfortable read.

landoflostcontent · 01/08/2025 16:13

So Much for That still haunts and infuriates me and I read it again and again. The Mandibles which I sincerely hope is not "the shape of things to come"

BrandyandGinger · 01/08/2025 16:08

I've enjoyed all her books. I like that her characters are often mean spirited and sarcastic and say things that you can't say in real life.

KnewYearKnewMe · 01/08/2025 16:02

I’ve read The Mandibles twice. Enthralling and terrifying in equal measure because of how relatable it feels.

Willowcat77 · 01/08/2025 13:26

Also, 'The New Republic' is a very funny and witty satire about a rubbish terrorist group. I don't understand why this one isn't more popular, as I found it laugh out loud funny with a really clever plot!

chunkymarmalade · 01/08/2025 12:59

Theredjellybean · 01/08/2025 07:21

The Mandibles...her best by far

I agree with this. I’ve liked all her books but The Mandibles would be the stand out one for me.

SabbatWheel · 01/08/2025 09:33

I couldn’t get through We Need to Talk About Kevin.
Are there any others I should try?
Not into dystopia.

NorthFaceofthelaundrypile · 01/08/2025 09:31

So much for that - about US health care system was very good too.

Lottapianos · 01/08/2025 09:29

Another vote for Big Brother. I enjoyed Mania as well. I adored We Need To Talk About Kevin, I've read it about ten times!

She's a really interesting woman

BlackStrayCat · 01/08/2025 09:24

The Post Birthday World is fabulous.

KateMiskin · 01/08/2025 09:08

I loved Double Fault, The Post Birthday World, and The Female of the Species.
Have met her. Great writer and she was nice to me, but since then she has become an absolute bigot.

LuubyLuu · 01/08/2025 07:24

The Post Birthday World is my favourite of hers. I think she’s an astonishing writer, but struggle now to dissociate with some of her views.