Guadalupe Nettel is a Mexican writer who has so far published four novels. Her latest is Still Born, which was shortlisted for the International Booker Prize 2023. It’s an incredible work that examines themes of motherhood, disability, and the ethics surrounding childbirth. I’m not sure I’ve read another book that tackles these kinds of issues in the way it does, and with such detail and skill.
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Arthur C. Clarke’s novels are often philosophical, exploring complex ideas through the lens of science fiction. A Fall of Moondust is somewhat different. Written several years before the moon landings, when huge seas of dust on the lunar surface were a real worry for scientists, it’s a straightforward man vs nature story, reminiscent of classic disaster movies like The Poseidon Adventure. What elevates it is Clark’s imagination and intelligence, bringing realism and depth to what could have been a hokey sci-fi romp.
Frankie Boyle is best known for his caustic and often controversial comedy. His debut novel, Meantime, is very much cut from the same cloth. A rambling murder mystery set in Glasgow just after the 2015 Scottish Independence referendum, it features a protagonist who is near-constantly high on Valium and many bleak but funny one-liners. It also delves into AI, simulation theory, and the history of colonialism, while achieving moments of genuine poignancy.
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Atticus Book ReviewsBook reviews and reading recommendations written by volunteers and friends of the shop! |
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