Winter Reads 2021-2022

My final book round-up of 2021 has kind of sneaked into 2022. There are some pre-Christmas purchases here, and a few from my festive haul. Hardback books form a large part of my Christmas wish list, and it’s a proper treat reading a physical book rather than on my Kindle. So what was on my 2021 winter reading list? And what do I recommend? And did I ever finish A Little Life?

Want some more book suggestions? Here are my recommendations from my Autumn Reads 2021, Summer Reads 2021 and my Spring Reads 2021

The Mercies – Kiran Millwood Hargreaves

A late contender for one of my favourite books of 2021, this is a tale of community, of sisterhood, of courage and of love. The remote Norwegian island of Vardo must rebuild when all of the menfolk are wiped out in a tragic fishing disaster. There are strong female characters, a sizzling Sapphic relationship and a sprinkling of witch trials, reminiscent of Stacey Halls’ The Familiars.

Tales of the City – Armistead Maupin

Published in 1978, the characters and stories in this series of vignettes still feel largely relevant today. Naïve Mary Ann Singleton suddenly finds herself immersed in San Francisco life as a tenant at 28 Barbary Lane. It’s an addictive read, with vivid characters and soap opera storylines. Maupin introduces us to characters from all walks of life, and from all ends of the LGBTQ spectrum. I’m completely invested in Mary Ann, Anna, Mouse and Mona and look forward to reading the next in the series soon

Pandora’s Jar: Women in the Greek Myths – Natalie Haynes

Natalie Haynes shines the spotlight on the women who are often either overlooked or misrepresented when we consider Ancient Greek myths. The titular Pandora, Helen, Eurydice and Medea are just some of the mythical women we are introduced to, with their stereotypes deconstructed along the way. Haynes notes how their stories have evolved over numerous retellings, and also how they are sometimes represented in modern pop culture. It’s a well-researched and compelling read, although the chapters are quite long so it’s best to dip in and out when you have the time to focus.

The Knife of Never Letting Go – Patrick Ness

The first in the Chaos Walking trilogy, this is a coming-of-age tale set in a post-apocalyptic world – as so many books are these days. It follows the journey of Todd, escaping his home town where women and girls no longer exist, and men are incessantly bombarded with the thoughts of others. Todd attempts to seek refuge with his trusty four-legged companion Manchee, and comes across new communities and characters along the way. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series. Or maybe watching the film. Because of Tom Holland. Obviously.

In Cold Blood – Truman Capote

It’s clear to see why this is considered a classic. A true story of a brutal murder in Kansas, Capote writes this with a descriptive, flowing narrative that could easily have been pure fiction. It does deviate from the main story at times, but there is nothing that doesn’t add to the reading experience. The book pieces the crime together from all angles, and gives a full insight into what drives a man – or two men in this case – to kill. I read this at a similar time to A Little Life so I definitely need to find something a little lighter and fluffier to read next.

Three Women – Lisa Taddeo

Three Women is the meticulous real-life study of three women over a period of eight years; in fact Taddeo immersed herself in their communities, in order to build a rich, in-depth portrait. Lina: stuck in a passionless marriage starts an all-consuming affair with an old flame. Seventeen year old Maggie: in a clandestine relationship with her married teacher. Sloane: a successful restaurateur whose husband actively encourages her to have sex with other people. The sex scenes dominate and are no holds-barred. I finished the book feeling a little disappointed; however the lives are real, and therefore there is not necessarily a satisfactory ending.

Shuggie Bain – Douglas Stuart

Hugh “Shuggie” Bain is a sweet and lonely boy. His mother Agnes is a glamourous, charismatic – and an alcoholic. His philandering father has abandoned them for another family. Their home is a grim public housing scheme outside Glasgow, where poverty, boredom and addiction fester. As Agnes continues to find solace in drink, she alienates her two eldest children, leaving her young son to be her carer whilst exploring his own identity. First-time novelist Douglas Stuart won the 2020 Booker Prize for this epic novel about a young boy’s turbulent coming-of-age in 1980’s Scotland. It’s a bleak yet somehow profoundly beautiful story; Shuggie will stay with me for a long time.

The Man Who Died Twice – Richard Osman

The sequel to The Thursday Murder Club takes us back to Cooper Chase Retirement Village, and back to Elizabeth, Ron, Joyce and Ibrahim. It’s cosy, witty and intelligent, and I personally think it’s better than the prequel, maybe because the characters are all immediately familiar with no preamble required. The chapters are short and although told from multiple points of view are easy to keep track of. After all, how does a bunch of pensioners get themselves mixed up in stolen diamonds, faked deaths and the mafia?

Mr Rosenblum’s List: or Friendly Guidance for the Aspiring Englishman – Natasha Solomons

Jack Rosenblum is a Jewish refugee who fled Germany with his wife and daughter in 1937. Determined to integrate into English society, he becomes obsessed with the idea of becoming a golfer – the epitome of Englishness on Jack’s list. But when he is refused entry because of his background, he decides to create his own in an idyllic Dorset town. It’s a heartwarming and charming story; you’ll soon be invested in tales of woolly-pigs, Jewish baking and the seemingly impossible construction of a golf course on a hillside.

A Little Life – Hanya Yanagihara

After three months, I FINALLY finished A Little Life. And there’s no doubt that this book will stay with me for a long time, although I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to re-read and withstand Jude’s suffering a second time round. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions with strong themes of sexual assault, domestic violence, self-harm and suicide. But there is also love, friendship, family and hope. Not an easy read but it is intense and beautiful, and truly destined to become a classic.

Currently Reading

10 Minutes, 38 Seconds in this Strange World – Elif Shafak

My Grandmother Sends Her Regards and Apologises – Fredrik Backman

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