We love books almost as much as we love candles! That’s why we are always excited to package your Lost Library purchases to send. Here’s what we’ve been loving this summer…
Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers
We admit we bought this book purely because of the gorgeous cover illustration. But thankfully the pleasures in this book were far from small. The story of suburban journalist Jean, who lives with her dependant mother and whose world feels increasingly small. When she covers the story of Gretchen, who claims to have produced her daughter Margaret through immaculate conception, Jean’s world is turned upside down. A fantastic read, successfully evocative 1950s suburban life.
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
You will be desperate to discuss this novel once you’ve read it. When African American nanny Emira is accused in a supermarket of kidnapping the white child in her care, a chain of events is sparked that will change her life forever. Funny, smart and nuanced, we loved this book.
Olive by Emma Gannon
What happens when you decide you don’t want children? This semi-autobiographical novel by journalist Gannon explores why choosing to be child-free is such a taboo.
Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowsi
1980s Poland is the setting for this coming-of-age story of love in the shadow of communism. Beautiful and eye-opening.
A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes
If you’ve read and loved Circe by Madeline Miller, you will enjoy this female-skewed take on the mythical Trojan War. A series of connecting stories from the voices of women whose lives are impacted by war. We whizzed through this in super quick time!
On Chapel Sands by Laura Cumming
This non-fiction book tells the story of Laura’s mother and her unexplained childhood. The mystery of her kidnapping on a beach and return to her parents a few days later has long been shrouded in mystery and silence from the community she grew up around. This book explains what really happened and why. You will be stunned by this incredible true life tale.
Leading Men by Chrisopher Castellani
A fictional imagining of this life and death of Frank Merlo, the real life long time companion to troubled playwright Tennesse Williams. Largely located on Italy’s Amalfi coast, this glamorous and witty story is a treat for anybody who is a fan of the likes of Williams, Truman Capote et al.
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo
We came to this book shamefully late. When we finally picked it up, we finished it in days. Twelve different characters (‘mostly women, black and british’ as the blurb reads) take the reader on an interconnected journey from rural Northumberland, to a women’s commune in the USA. Engaging and surprising, it’s a must-read this year.
What have you been reading this summer?