Another year has flown by. Before we tear open a new calendar, I thought I’d share some of my favourite books I read in 2023.
Slow Horses by Mick Herron
The first in the Slough House series is a superb page-turner that keeps you guessing until the end.
Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall
Tim Marshall and I worked at Sky News at the same time and his ability to effortlessly distill complex information as the channel’s foreign editor never ceased to impress. So I wasn’t surprised at all when his book became a huge bestseller. It had been on my to-read list for years and, even in the face of my sky-high expectations, I’m pleased to say it didn’t disappoint. Over the course of the book Marshall explains how 10 maps can tell you everything you need to know about global politics. Analyses made at particular points in history often date poorly, but the author’s comments seem prophetic eight years on.
Brother Of The More Famous Jack by Barbara Trapido
Trapido’s writing is excellent and reminded me of Evelyn Waugh and Stella Gibbons. I chose the book knowing very little about it, but I was quickly drawn into the narrative.
Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The book is arguably one of the most acclaimed novels of my lifetime. So it’s understandable I came in with high expectations. Sadly, it didn’t quite meet them. The novel is well written, but it’s never as engrossing as I had hoped it would be. Nevertheless, it is an interesting depiction of a period of history I previously knew almost nothing about.
The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer
My book of the year. How to make a coming of age story even better? Tell the reader about the characters’ entire lives. I simply didn’t want it to end.
Late in the Day by Tessa Hadley
A thought-provoking tale of two couples and the changing dynamics between each of the four individuals.
Any Human Heart by William Boyd
Another book that, for me, fell just short of its stellar reputation. It has a slow start (stories of boarding school derring do are rarely thrilling), but the book slowly sinks its claws into you as you follow Logan Mountstuart’s journey through life.
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
An eloquently written character piece that stayed with me longer than I anticipated.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
An intriguing narrative that’s so well crafted you carry on reading despite the fact the narrator tells you much of what happens from the outset.
Dead Lions by Mick Herron
If I was trying to be worthy, I’d put Elizabeth Bowen’s The Death Of The Heart in this list. But truth be told, I found the coming-of-age tale heavy going. So in its place, I’ll add the sequel to Slow Horses. The two novels bookended my year and I’m already looking forward to catching up with the TV adaptation.
*This page contains affiliate links
Leave a Reply