What’s been your best read this year?

[HighburyLass]

Just one book (if you can!) that has stood out for you this year?

For me, it’s James by Percival Everett. Was given it as a present, I wouldn’t have chosen it. But my goodness what a great read. I was unsure as I hadn’t read Huckleberry Finn but it really didn’t matter (and now maybe I will!)

What have been your reading highlights?

@CatChant - I loved The Ministry of Time. Also really liked The Goldfinch, but it was just so long, and I struggled with the middle section.

Mine is Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively which I got on a recommendation from the Rather Dated book club thread on here
A dying woman looks back on her life, especially a very intense stay in Egypt during WWII. It won the Booker and I totally understand why, it was absolutely gripping.

Close second was Hyperion by Dan Simmons. It's science fiction but very literary (?). It's about a group of pilgrims telling the story of why they are going on the journey. Loosely based on the Canterbury Tales and with lots of classical/literary references. It was really good.

I read Pachinko in the first two days of the year and I think it’s the book I enjoyed the most. I’ve also finally read The Goldfinch, about 10 years after everyone else, and loved it. The Women by Kirsten Hannah was phenomenal.

(sorry, can’t do a single “best”!)

for the PP who said All The Light We Cannot Sea, I read it (very unusually for me) one sitting in the depths of baby non-sleeping madness (ie giving up sleeping time was a big deal), and I adored it so much I haven’t dared to read it since in case it’s not quite as good as I remember.

The Names , Florence Knapp for me as well so far this year

I like all her stuff

I’m about to finish James tonight. I’m also reading Domination by Alice Roberts and The Walnut Tree by Kate Morgan. I must admit I’ve not read anything this year that I didn’t want to end up- but there’s still time and I’ll try some of the books mentioned in this thread.

This certainly gave me a new found respect for migrants.

I second The Ministry of Time. I loved it.

Another vote for Safekeep by Yael van der Woulden. Just read it - beautiful writing and characters and relationships that are absolutely themselves and very human, intimate histories and realisations. Stays with you.

Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton
woman living in rural England finds a baby hare and brings it up (during Covid). Beautifully written and very moving.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.

About a chemist Elizabeth Zott and her experiences of sexism in her profession during the 50s/60s. Her life as a chemist became v. difficult as a woman so she changed tack and unwittingly became a huge TV star on a cookery show. Through that show she empowered women and well.... you have to read it to find out more. Tragic in places but so uplifting I thought.

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. Took some time to adjust to the racism (I accepted it was a totally different time to any I have known, and that I read books that are sexist and offensive)but what a book. The writing is superb. The characters fascinating. It blew me away. The fact the protagonist is so flawed and unpleasant was fascinating too. And it helped me to understand why America is the way it is.
It was a journey.

I discovered Iris Murdoch this year. It has been like a mad love affair. I read seven of her novels in about two months. I couldn’t stop. I have never experienced anything like it. I could have spent the entire year doing nothing but read her books. In the end, I literally had to force myself to stop and get on with some work!!

I also started reading P G Wodehouse’s Blandings books this year. Until then I had only read the Jeeves and Wooster novels.

Four shots in the night - Henry Hemming

From Amazon -
On 26th May 1986, the body of an undercover British agent was found by the side of a muddy lane, with a rope tied around its wrists and tape over each eye. Years later, it was reported that this murder might have been carried out by another undercover British agent, known as 'Stakeknife'. In 2016, a detective began to investigate this case, and would soon find himself running the largest murder investigation in British history.

In a compulsive blend of investigative journalism and true crime thriller, Henry Hemming exposes the parallel worlds of the IRA and British intelligence through the lives of those inextricably bound up in both. He reveals the bravery of those who were crucial in ending the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the bloodiest and longest-running conflict in recent British history, and the determination of one detective in his dogged search for justice and the truth.

A brilliant read, stayed with me for ages afterwards.

There are some great books mentioned on this thread.

For me, it was Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I couldn't put it down.

The other one I absolutely loved but won't be everyone's cup of tea was The First Bad Man by Miranda July. That was quite a ride.

I read Hyperion years ago, must revisit so thanks for the reminder.

Not a single book, but a series. Dungeon Crawler Carl. I binged the whole thing in just a few weeks as I couldn't put it down. It just kept getting better and better.

I'm now stuck waiting for book 8 which doesn't come out until next May. Already looking forward to re-reading the first 7 in the lead up to release.

Exodus by Leon Uris.

It's a historical novel about the creation of Israel.

It really does shine a different light on the plight of the Jewish people throughout Europe. The focus is obviously on the end of WW2 when many simply didn't have anywhere to go and ended up in camps on Cyprus in the hope of reaching Palesine/ Israel.

Last One at the Party by Bethany Clift.
It's about a woman on her own after everyone else died of an illness. One of those books where the lead character isn't particularly likeable but you still root for them. It stayed with me for a while afterwards.

Good thread. I'm saving it for future reads

A mind of my own by Kathy Burke, I found it relatable , funny.. A really enjoyable read.

Drayton and McKenzie and everything else you've put is wrong

The Safekeep - (outstanding)

My year of Meats

Another vote for ‘The Names’. A really moving, powerful novel.
I’m currently enjoying ‘The Eights’ by Joanna Miller.

Precious Bane by Mary Webb.

I would never have known about it if not for my book club. And am profoundly glad that I did find it. It is the most enchanting, beautiful story. The descriptions of the Shropshire countryside are particularly gorgeous and evocative.

Cobbled this description together from a couple of online reviews:

Mary Webb's "Precious Bane" invites readers into a world of rural enchantment and profound challenges.
Prudence Sarn was born with a cleft palate, her 'precious bane', for which she is persecuted as a witch by her superstitious neighbours. Hiding from daily ridicule, she takes refuge in the wild Shropshire countryside, developing a profound love of nature. Furtively, Prue longs to be loved and harbours a hopeless passion for Kester Woodseaves, the weaver.
Despite the trials she faces, Prue possesses an indomitable spirit and an extraordinary ability to see the beauty in the world around her.
Through Prue's eyes, readers witness the intricacies of love, hardship, and the timeless struggle for acceptance.

Winner of the 1926 Prix Femina Vie Heureuse Prize, Precious Bane is a novel that enchants with its beauty and its timeless truths.