READS
Our pick of the top titles hitting bookshelves near you this month… Grown Ups by Marian Keyes
Johnny Casey, his two brothers Ed and Liam, their beautiful, talented wives and all their kids spend a lot of time together. They’re a happy family. Johnny’s wife, Jessie, who has the most money, insists on it. Under the surface, however, conditions are murkier. While some people clash, others like each other far too much… Everything remains unsaid until Ed’s wife, Cara, gets concussion and can’t keep her thoughts to herself. In the subsequent unravelling, every one of the adults finds themselves wondering if it’s time, finally, to grow up?
Out now, £20, Penguin
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
This may be Russell’s debut novel, but its already set to be one of the year’s mosttalked about books. Now thirty-two, Vanessa finds herself in a storm of allegations. Her once-teacher has just been accused of sexual abuse by another former student. Vanessa is horrified by this news. She is quite certain that the relationship she had with him wasn’t abuse. It was love. Forced to rethink her past, Vanessa has to redefine the great love story of her life. Now she must deal with the possibility that she might be a victim, and one of many. Not a light read by any means, but an important one.
Out March 31, £12.99, Fourth Estate
Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women White Feminists Forgot by Mikki Kendall
What does feminism mean to you? It means something different to everyone, but to fully understand its complexities, you need to read this book. Everyone should read this book. Hood Feminism tackles the issue of inequality between race, class, sexual orientation, disability, and what is perceived as feminism. Author Mikki Kendall poses the question; “How can feminists stand in solidarity as a movement when there is a distinct likelihood that some women are oppressing others?” An eye-opener.
Out now, £16.99, Bloomsbury
This Lovely City by Louise Hare
The long-awaited sequel to Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, The Mirror and the Light is the stunning conclusion to Hilary Mantel’s Man Booker Prize-winning trilogy. Those who have read the previous two books will know the subject matter charts the rising arc of mercurial Tudor plotter, politician, and power broker, Thomas Cromwell. Now, all of England lies at his feet, ripe for innovation and religious reform. But as fortune’s wheel turns, Cromwell’s enemies are gathering in the shadows and the question remains: how long can anyone survive under Henry’ VIIIs cruel and capricious gaze?
The drinks are flowing. The music is playing. But the party can’t last. With the Blitz over and London reeling from war, jazz musician Lawrie Matthews has answered the country’s call for help. Fresh off the Empire Windrush, he’s taken a tiny room in south London lodgings, and has fallen in love with the girl next door. Touring Soho’s music halls by night, pacing the streets as a postman by day, Lawrie has poured his heart into his new home—and it’s alive with possibility. Until, one morning, he makes a terrible discovery. As the local community rallies, fingers of blame are pointed at those who had recently been welcomed with open arms. And, before long, the newest arrivals become the prime suspects in a tragedy which threatens to tear the city apart. This Lovely City is Hare’s debut, and what a sparkler it is.
Out March 5, £17.50. Fourth Estate
Out March 12, £12.99, HarperCollins
The Mirror and the Light by Hilary Mantel
62 hood
