Help me start 2020 with a few great books

[tactum]

I've read a load of shite recently, so it seems. Resolved to make 2020 better. Things I enjoy:
any Kate Atkinson (although couldn't finish transcription, such a disappointment)
War books - all the light we cannot see, the dust that falls from dreams etc
Hannah Kent
Eowyn Ivey
Black african american books (underground railroad, american marriage)
A really good thriller, but not the run of the mill stuff.

Any suggestions to help me out? Have just ordered Americanah by Adichie having loved Half of a Yellow Sun

Don't like any fantasy, sci fi, cia conspiracy type stuff.

Many thanks in advance!

Just finished reading Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams. Really enjoyed it. Recommended

You sound like you have a similar taste to me
I’d recommend No Longer At Ease

Have you read any Atwood?

I've always thought Atwood was a bit too literary for me and doesn't she sometimes verge into sci-fi? Which would you suggest as her most accessible novel?
Thanks for those suggestions - off to have a nose! Any others gratefully received...

I hate sci-fi/fantasy and LOVE Atwood
I’d say that they were more dystopian than Sci-fi
Oryx And Crake truely wowed me

Good suggestions on this thread:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/what_were_reading/3784859-Best-book-youve-ever-read-that-you-absolutely-couldnt-put-down

You've got similar taste to me too (although I'm really enjoying Transcription)
Have you read Donna Tartt?
I've enjoyed The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christi Lefteri and Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie recently.

The Nickel Boys I think you’d like

Omg Home Fire was the last book I read where I was openly weeping at the end. Truly stunning!
Thanks for all the ideas, will be looking them all up!

I came to say The Nickel Boys too, excellent book.

Ooh Look up Miracle Creek, I agree with Queenie and Nickel boys too.
Ooh also check out when all is said by Anne Griffin. I proper bawled and I’ve never forgotten it!

If you haven't read it, Any Human Heart by William Boys is excellent and has a good WW2 section. Also The Book Thief.

I've just read Wakenhyrst by Michelle Paver which I really enjoyed, very Gothic and atmospheric.

It’s old now, so you may have read It, but Small Island is great. Plenty of war / post WW2 detail.

Recently read Wakenhyrst also, it's very good.
Also Reservoir 13 - very unusual book but good nonetheless.

If you like war novels have you read The Night Watch by Sarah Waters. I thought it was fab, my Grandmother was an Ambulance driver during the war and it transformed what I'd thought about that. Liked Small Island as well.

I'd recommend Alias Grace or the Blind Assassin for a first Attwood. Cats Eyes is good as well.

Have you read the Shardlake books? I can also really recommend A Fortnight in September (R C Sherriff).

Looking at your interests maybe "The Last Runaway" Tracy Chevalier.

Have you read:
The Help?
The Secret Life of Bees?
Both a few years old now but I enjoyed them.

I'd recommend A Different Drummer by William Melville Kelley, if you haven't already read it.

I love the Edible Woman by Atwood