With huge Book Club buzz and rave reviews, I really wanted to love this. While the pacing lagged and the characters didn’t fully land for me, its devoted fanbase suggests it may hit differently for you.

If you like the idea of journaling but don’t know where to start, this book is a gentle companion. With short, thoughtful essays and optional prompts, it offers inspiration without rules or pressure.

My 3-line (ish) book review:

A quiet, atmospheric novel set in 1920s Provence, exploring the cost of creativity and the pursuit of art.

It's a slow-burn kind of read: cinematic and slightly ominous.

Did I like it? hmm… I appreciated it. It was well written and insightful. It’s objectively a good book - but I think I was in the mood for something more escapist.

My 3-line book review: A beautiful, accessible blend of personal story, social history and medical ethics. 

If you enjoyed The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, this book is right up your alley.

Here’s hoping John Green’s work will shine a light on a disease that could be eradicated - if we collectively decided to make it so. 

My favourite books of the year - featuring literary fiction, memoir, and food writing - plus a three-line book review for each.