Another year is drawing to a close, so it’s time to review some of the novels I have read this year. Let me know if you disagree with me by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page. You can also check out the books I reviewed in 2023 and 2024.
The New Life by Tom Crewe
A beautifully written piece of historical fiction about forbidden love.
Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley
An excellent and enjoyable debut. I really hope the upcoming film adaptation is as good. Several of the songs adored by Percy left me cold, but I’ll be forever grateful to Holly Brickley for belatedly alerting me to Joan Armatrading’s songwriting talents.
The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
A brilliantly written and well-plotted narrative. The characters and the final scene have stayed with me ever since I finished the novel.
Golden Hill by Francis Spufford
I can’t agree with Richard Osman’s assessment that this is the best book of the century. I don’t think it’s even close. Nevertheless, it’s an entertaining yarn that kept me guessing.
Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld
This was an interesting take on a good premise, but at 432 pages long, it felt a little protracted.
The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy
This short story was full of interesting musings on death and served as an unusual palate cleanser.
A Very British Coup by Chris Mullin
A worryingly believable book about British politics.
A Fine Madness by Alan Judd
Judd’s decision to use only the voice of Thomas Phelippes to tell the story is an interesting literary device, but I’m not sure it best served the plot. The pace was plodding throughout and the narrative left me indifferent.
The Odessa File by Frederick Forsyth
An exciting tale bearing similarities to Forsyth’s first book. It isn’t quite as good, but few novels are a match for The Day of the Jackal.
First Among Equals by Jeffrey Archer
A fun tale of political ambition and the twists and turns life can take. The fact Jeffrey Archer rewrote the book for a US audience at the request of his American publisher in order to place the story within a two-party system astounds me.
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