Book Reviews and Recommendations: Recent Reads and Influential Titles
Hello, book lovers and fellow writers!
Books have always been a source of inspiration, comfort and insight in my life. Today, I’m excited to share some recent reads and recommend a few influential titles that have shaped my writing journey. Whether you’re looking for your next great read or seeking inspiration for your own writing, I hope you find these reviews and recommendations helpful.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
If you’re interested in any of these titles, check them out on Bookshop.org! Supporting independent bookstores has never been easier. Plus, by using my affiliate links, you help support my work as well. Happy reading!
Strong Female Protagonists
You’d Look Better as a Ghost – Joanne Wallace
This darkly humorous thriller follows Claire, a sharp and unapologetic woman who exacts revenge on the men who wronged her. As she dispenses her own brand of justice, Claire’s biting wit and unwavering resolve drive the story, making her a compelling and unconventional protagonist. A twisted and gripping tale of empowerment and revenge, it’s a must-read for fans of complex female leads who refuse to play by the rules.
Claire Randall, a headstrong WWII nurse, is unexpectedly thrust back in time to 18th-century Scotland, where she must navigate a world of political intrigue, clan rivalries, and a passionate, tumultuous romance with Highlander Jamie Fraser. Intelligent, resilient, and fiercely independent, Claire’s strength and adaptability shine as she fights for survival and love in an era that’s not her own. An epic blend of historical fiction, romance, and adventure, Outlander showcases a strong female protagonist who defies the expectations of every time she inhabits.
How to Kill Your Family – Bella Mackie
Grace Bernard is wickedly clever, morally ambiguous, and dead-set on avenging the father who abandoned her—by eliminating his entire family one by one. Told with razor-sharp wit and biting humour, this satirical thriller explores Grace’s meticulous planning and darkly entertaining vendetta. With her unapologetic disdain for social norms and a steely determination to succeed at any cost, Grace is an unconventional and fascinating anti-heroine who keeps readers hooked until the very end.
Disobedient – Elizabeth Fremantle
Artemisia Gentileschi, a fiercely talented painter in 17th-century Rome, battles against societal expectations, misogyny, and personal betrayal to carve out her place in the male-dominated art world. Inspired by the true story of one of the first recognised female artists, Disobedient captures her defiance and resilience as she faces injury and scandal, determined to forge her path and leave a lasting legacy. Artemisia’s strength and passion make her an unforgettable protagonist who refuses to be silenced.
Rocked by past trauma and on the fringes of society, Kelly escapes the streets of Glasgow and embarks on an unexpected journey across Scotland. Driven by a desire to confront her past and reclaim her sense of self, Kelly’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the kindness of strangers. With her unflinching courage and vulnerability, Kelly is a quietly powerful protagonist whose path to redemption and hope resonates deeply.
The Incredible Events in Women’s Cell Number Three – Kira Yarmysh
This sharp, satirical novel follows Anya, a young activist unjustly imprisoned in a Russian detention centre, as she grapples with the oppressive system around her. Surrounded by a cast of women with unique backstories, Anya’s strength and defiance grow amidst the bleakness of her confinement. With dark humour and poignant observations, she navigates camaraderie, resilience, and resistance, emerging as a bold and unyielding voice against corruption and injustice.
Historical Fiction Must-Reads
Set during the tumultuous Wars of the Roses, Cecily follows the formidable Cecily Neville, mother of kings and queen-maker, as she navigates the deadly intrigues of 15th-century England. Fiercely ambitious and politically astute, Cecily is a powerful force behind the scenes, playing a dangerous game of loyalty and betrayal to secure her family’s position. Garthwaite’s vivid portrayal of this determined matriarch breathes new life into a pivotal figure often overshadowed by the men around her.
This gripping novel transports readers to Edwardian England, where nurse Ruby May takes a position in a remote Yorkshire household, only to find herself drawn into the secrets and tensions of the enigmatic Mrs England. With its atmospheric setting and undercurrent of psychological suspense, Mrs England explores themes of class, control, and the limitations placed on women’s autonomy, creating a haunting and richly layered historical narrative.
A Marriage of Lions – Elizabeth Chadwick
Set in the volatile world of 13th-century England, A Marriage of Lions follows the tumultuous marriage between Joanna de Munchesny and William de Valence, a union forged in political machinations and rife with personal conflict. Joanna’s fierce independence clashes with William’s ambition, creating a compelling portrait of loyalty, power, and love in the shadow of a divided kingdom. Chadwick’s meticulous attention to historical detail and strong characterizations bring this era vividly to life.
Act of Oblivion – Robert Harris
Set in the aftermath of the English Civil War, Act of Oblivion follows the manhunt for two regicides who fled England after the execution of King Charles I. As the fugitives attempt to evade capture in the American colonies, the narrative shifts between hunter and hunted, creating a tense and atmospheric cat-and-mouse chase. With masterful storytelling and a gripping blend of fact and fiction, Harris captures the high stakes of loyalty, betrayal, and survival in a country struggling to heal its wounds.
This sweeping historical novel, set against the backdrop of the 17th-century Mediterranean, follows the adventures of the daring pirate captain Louise Régnier. Determined to carve her own destiny on the high seas, Louise’s story is filled with treachery, vengeance, and a fight for freedom. Mosse’s richly atmospheric writing and evocative detail bring to life a world of maritime conflict and female defiance, offering readers a thrilling, sea-swept tale of courage and rebellion.
Books that challenge perspectives
This contemporary novel follows Monica, a mixed-race woman juggling motherhood, a troubled marriage, and her identity in a predominantly white British suburb. As Monica navigates microaggressions and the tension between her heritage and environment, Lives Like Mine offers a powerful examination of race, class, and belonging. Verde’s nuanced storytelling brings to light the complexities of modern family dynamics, the struggle for self-acceptance, and the quiet resilience required to live authentically.
The Secret River – Kate Grenville
Set in early 19th-century Australia, The Secret River tells the story of William Thornhill, an impoverished English convict who seizes the chance to start anew on Aboriginal land. As he carves out a life for his family, William’s choices lead to devastating consequences, raising uncomfortable questions about colonization, violence, and the clash of cultures. Grenville’s evocative prose forces readers to confront the brutal realities of settler history and its lasting impact on Indigenous communities.
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
This Booker Prize-winning novel interweaves the lives of twelve diverse characters—mainly Black British women—across generations and social backgrounds. Through their interconnected stories, Evaristo challenges conventional ideas about race, gender, and identity, offering a multifaceted view of what it means to be a woman in modern Britain. Bold, polyphonic, and deeply human, Girl, Woman, Other is a groundbreaking exploration of intersectionality and the complexity of human experiences.
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
Set years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale, The Testaments reveals the inner workings of the oppressive regime of Gilead through the voices of three different women—Aunt Lydia, Agnes, and Daisy. As their perspectives converge, the novel examines complicity, resistance, and the ways women can both perpetuate and dismantle patriarchal systems. Atwood’s sharp, insightful prose offers a chilling yet hopeful reflection on power, control, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tyranny.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The novel’s exploration of morality, empathy, and racial inequality is conveyed through the innocent perspective of Scout Finch. Lee’s ability to tackle heavy themes with nuance and compassion has inspired me to approach sensitive topics with care and depth in my own writing.
Books with Unreliable Narrators
Here is the Beehive – Sarah Crossan
Told through fragmented, lyrical prose, Here is the Beehive delves into the mind of Ana, a solicitor reeling from the sudden death of her secret lover. As Ana’s grief spirals into obsession, the lines between reality and memory blur, revealing the depths of her unreliability. Crossan’s novel deftly portrays a protagonist whose anguish and desperation lead her to distort the truth, creating a haunting and disorienting narrative of love, loss, and deception.
When Amy Dunne mysteriously vanishes on her fifth wedding anniversary, all eyes turn to her husband, Nick—but as alternating chapters reveal both their perspectives, it becomes clear that neither is a trustworthy narrator. Gone Girl is a masterclass in psychological manipulation, featuring two equally unreliable voices that keep readers questioning what’s real and what’s fabricated. Flynn’s gripping, twist-filled thriller explores the dark dynamics of a toxic marriage, making it an iconic example of the unreliable narrator trope.
The Girl on the Train – Paula Hawkins
Rachel Watson is an alcoholic whose daily train commute takes her past the house of a seemingly perfect couple she fantasizes about. When the woman disappears, Rachel becomes embroiled in the investigation, but her hazy recollections and unstable mental state make her a highly unreliable witness. Through Rachel’s disjointed narrative, Hawkins builds an atmosphere of paranoia and suspense, leaving readers to piece together the truth from a shattered perspective.
Notes on an Execution – Danya Kukafka
Told from multiple perspectives, including that of convicted serial killer Ansel Packer on the eve of his execution, Notes on an Execution challenges readers to see beyond surface appearances. As Ansel’s self-justifications and manipulations unfold, his narrative is interwoven with the voices of women affected by his actions, creating a tense and unsettling portrait of a man who warps reality to serve his own ends. Kukafka’s complex portrayal of a deeply unreliable narrator forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about guilt, humanity, and violence.
People Like Her – Ellery Lloyd
Emmy Jackson, a popular “Instamum” influencer, portrays herself as the perfect, relatable mom online—but behind the camera, her life and marriage are unravelling. Narrated alternately by Emmy and her increasingly disillusioned husband, Dan, People Like Her exposes the dark underbelly of curated social media personas and the lies influencers tell to keep up appearances. With sharp, satirical insights and chilling twists, this novel keeps readers guessing whose version of the truth they can trust.
Feel-Good Reads
When Nick and Bee accidentally connect via a misdirected email, their online exchanges evolve into a surprising and profound romance that seems too good to be true—because they might not even exist in the same reality. With its whimsical, heartwarming take on fate, love, and second chances, Impossible is a feel-good story that blends humour and romance, reminding readers of the magic that can happen when you take a leap of faith.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine – Gail Honeyman
Eleanor Oliphant is an eccentric, socially awkward woman who rigidly adheres to her daily routines, and struggles to navigate social norms. Her world starts to change when she forms an unlikely friendship with Raymond, the IT guy from her office, and begins to experience a genuine connection for the first time. Eleanor’s unique perspective and struggles with loneliness reflect elements of neurodiversity, making her journey toward self-acceptance, healing, and friendship a poignant and uplifting read. With a blend of humour, empathy, and heart, this novel celebrates the value of kindness and the importance of embracing differences.
You Deserve Each Other – Sarah Hogle
Naomi and Nicholas are engaged—and secretly can’t stand each other. In this hilarious and charming romantic comedy, they engage in a battle of wits to see who can make the other call off the wedding first. With laugh-out-loud antics and unexpected tenderness, You Deserve Each Other is a delightful reminder that sometimes you have to break everything apart before you can rebuild it stronger, making it a perfect feel-good read.
Don’t Laugh, It’ll Only Encourage Her – Daisy May Cooper
This laugh-out-loud memoir from actress and comedian Daisy May Cooper chronicles her journey from small-town misfit to star of This Country. Filled with self-deprecating humour, honesty, and warmth, Daisy’s reflections on fame, family, and never quite fitting in make this an inspiring and heartening read. Through all the ups and downs, her unfiltered, relatable voice will leave readers feeling uplifted and entertained.
In this much-anticipated sequel to Rachel’s Holiday, Rachel Walsh’s life seems to be perfectly back on track—until an old flame reappears, threatening to unravel her hard-won happiness. With Keyes’ signature blend of humour, warmth, and keen insight, Again, Rachel is a joyful and empathetic exploration of recovery, family, and the complexity of love, leaving readers with a sense of hope and optimism.
Just Plain, Weird – Books I couldn’t connect to but are worth a read anyway
This eerie, darkly humorous novel follows Alison Hart, a psychic medium haunted not just by spirits, but by her own traumatic past. As she tours Britain’s bleak suburbs, offering glimpses into the afterlife with her abrasive assistant Colette, Alison’s world becomes increasingly strange and unsettling. With its blend of supernatural elements, grim humour, and unsettling psychological insight, Beyond Black is a genre-defying novel that’s as compelling as it is bizarre, exploring the blurry line between this world and the next.
However, found it difficult to connect with the characters, particularly the protagonist, whose abrasive personality might not resonate with all readers.
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow – Gabrielle Zevin
Sam and Sadie, childhood friends turned creative collaborators, reunite in their twenties to create a blockbuster video game that catapults them to fame. What follows is a decades-long saga of art, obsession, and fractured relationships, filled with surreal, immersive digital landscapes that blur the boundaries between reality and imagination. Zevin’s novel is an unconventional, sprawling exploration of friendship and creativity, combining elements of the fantastical with a deeply human story that’s both strange and captivating.
However, I’m not a fan of video games or the gaming culture so the in-depth discussions about game design and development didn’t appeal to me.
The Ministry of Time – Kailene Bradley
In a surreal near future, an enigmatic government department known as The Ministry of Time monitors and manipulates the flow of history itself. When a low-level civil servant is thrust into this peculiar organisation, she finds herself unravelling bizarre mysteries and discovering unsettling truths about her own existence. With its Kafkaesque setting, mind-bending twists, and philosophical musings on time and identity, The Ministry of Time is a quirky and perplexing novel.
However, I couldn’t relate to the writing style; the sheer number of unnecessary metaphors and similes affected my overall enjoyment of the novel.
These book recommendations are my personal picks, showcasing a mix of quirky, thought-provoking, and downright entertaining reads. Remember, everyone’s taste is different—what I love, you might not, and that’s totally okay! So, dive in, explore, and find the stories that spark joy for you.
Happy reading!
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Ali Riley 