book(ish) top reads of 2023
It’s been a good year of reading for both of us. We’ve smashed our reading targets, discovered new authors and got some new favourites. In case you were compiling a TBR list for next year, we wanted to add a few of our favourites to the mix, so here’s our top reads of 2023.
The Book of Fire by Christy Lefteri
What. a. book. Christy Lefteri has done it again. If you’ve read The Beekeeper of Aleppo you know that Lefteri has the ability to tell a story and get a message across in such an emotional and moving way which will keep you utterly gripped. This novel tackles forest fires and climate change through powerful storytelling and it will stay with you for a long time. It’s devastating and beautiful and when we read it in the summer, extremely pertinent. Listen to our episode on the Book of Fire.
Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield
This is a thriller-love story you won’t (ever) stop thinking about. This excellent debut by Julia Armfield will keep you thinking, and rethinking what *actually* happened well after you’ve finished it. It follows a couple in two timelines. Leah’s timeline follows her on a routine expedition on a submarine which she is then trapped in for months and her wife, Miri, tells the story from after Leah returns (or does she?). Super weird that we read it when a submarine did actually go missing, but it’s creepy regardless of whether this makes mainstream news at the same time!! Listen to our episode on Our Wives Under the Sea.
Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris
Black Butterflies was our winner for the 2023 Women’s Prize for Fiction. This book is another heartbreaking one (sorry guys but it is EXCELLENT) and follows a woman who is separated from her family during the Siege of Sarajevo and her fight for survival. It’s about resilience, love and loss and basically the only other thing we have to say is: go and read it.
Wandering Souls by Cecile Pin
Another book which was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction (and frankly should absolutely have been on the shortlist, Pin’s Wandering Souls is another must read from us. It’s short, concise and brilliant. It’s a novel on the immigrant experience that everyone should read. Prepare to cry and get angry at the way that the world treats human beings seeking refuge.
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette McCurdy
Best memoir we’ve ever read. Bloody hell what a book. Jeanette McCurdy’s memoir is honest, raw and impeccably written, it’s style, structure, everything. McCurdy is clearly a natural story-teller and we will simply read anything else she ever publishes. The audiobook is also incredibly engaging and we’d recommend both reading and listening to it (yep). She delves into her life as a child actor and the abuse from her mother. It will move you to tears (we’re warning you). Listen to our episode on I’m Glad My Mom Died.
Hotel 21 by Senta Rich
We were lucky enough to be gifted this by Bloomsbury (big bookish moment) and even more fortunate to have interviewed Senta for an episode. This book is such a charming, heart-warming novel that will keep you gripped. The main character, a troubled hotel cleaner, takes something everyday from hotel rooms - nothing of note but enough to give her a thrill. The book follows her at her latest job, and jumps around in time to look back at how she got to this point. It somehow tackles really important and series issues whilst also being an uplifting read. We thoroughly recommend (and it comes out in paperback in June next year!). If you haven’t listened to our episode with Senta yet, check it out.
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
This has been on our list for a long time and frankly we should have read it sooner. The novel is a powerful novel about a Ghanaian family in Alabama which tackles the devastating impact of OxyContin addiction and its widespread impact across the US. It’s a story about grief, depression, addiction, science, religion, family, love and so much more.
Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny
Katherine Heiny is one of Kath’s favourite go-to authors (and not because she has a great name). Heiny’s writing is extremely witty and perceptive, commenting on the mundane and everyday in a thought-provoking way. This novel is no different. Following four characters after an accident which binds them, it’s a novel about love, relationships and the messiness of life.
Kim Jiyoung, Born in 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo
We love a bit of translated fiction and this one simply did not disappoint. This novel writes a telling account of the misogyny in South Korea, telling the story of one woman who is every woman. Raising questions about misogyny and oppression that are relevant to women in South Korea and across the world. One review we read said ‘this books makes me want to set something on fire’ and yep. That.