In an alternate universe, this update would bring you news that I was not only well on track to complete my #10booksofsummer, but would likely read many more than ten.
As it is, I’ll be lucky to reach ten by the end of August.
The problem is all of my own making — instead of focussing on books I already have at home, I keep ordering books from the library. Some of these reservations have very long wait lists (I’m number 26 in the queue for Land by Maggie O’Farrell and there are only two copies available). Then more than one reservation will turn up at the same time. Sigh.
My original plan for #10booksofsummer was to tick of some of the books on my Classics Club list, read a couple of novels by African authors and delve into my TBR shelves.
in June I did manage to read one from my classics club list — The Conquest of Plassans by Emile Zola — which enabled me to join Emma’s ParisinJuly event.
I did start Cursed Daughters by the Nigerian author Oyinkan Braithwaite but gave up half way. It was funny in parts and had some gloriously crisp dialogue but the frequent shifts in perspective were too confusing.
Two of my other reads came from my own shelves.
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz : A light read by way of contrast with the intensity of Zola’s account of corruption and manipulation. Horowitz’s novel is a murder mystery that contains echoes of Golden Age tales from Agatha Christie. It’s readable enough though a bit over-long. My review is here.
The Body by Hanif Kureishi: this was an experiment with science fiction, a genre I rarely (if ever) choose. Kureishi imagines that it’s become possible for surgeons to implant our brains into younger, fitter and healthier bodies. An extreme idea now but who knows, one day it might be possible. From this starting point, Kureishi explores issues around ageing and our relationships with our bodies. Review coming shortly.
The Cafe with No Name by Robert Seethaler: why has it taken me so long to discover Seethaler? This is a beautifully constructed novella centred on the owner and clientele of a small cafe in a suburb of Vienna. It’s a quiet, reflective tale of dreams and friendships. Review coming shortly.
From the library I read The Palm House by Gwendoline Riley which has been longlisted for the 2026 Booker Prize, It’s sharply observed but I was expecting something with more substance. Review coming shortly.
Future Plans??
I have three more books to read for #10booksofsummer, one of which will be Antonio by Beatriz Bracher which I can count for Women in Translation Month. There’s no point in me planning anything further however because there’s sure to be another library book coming my way soon.
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