I have read a lot of amazing books this past year and I thought I would share my favourite ones with you as there’s nothing I love more than talking about books. I also love getting new recommendations, so if you are like me, this article is for you.
2024 was a particularly prolific reading year for me as I had more free time than usual (my average is usually between 70 and 100 books a year - not bragging but a little proud) and it gave me the opportunity to discover a lot of new authors and to finally read some books that had been on my TBR for a really long time. Among all of these, there are 13 that really stood out, either because of what it taught me, the way I related to the characters or the way it stayed with me long after I had finished the last page. So here’s my 2024 top selection:
There are rivers in the sky by Elif Shafak.
I am a big fan of Elif Shafak’s writing and when her new book came out, I instantly bought it and it did not disappoint (I am also very happy to now have the gorgeous hardcover version on my bookshelf). I love the idea of all of us being connected through time and place by water and the fact that a single drop of water can hold memories. This book has been my favourite one of hers so far.
Rebecca by Daphné du Maurier
The first time I heard of Daphné du Maurier was when I saw a picture of Stanley Tucci on the internet wearing a t-shirt with her name on it and I was instantly intrigued. I chose to dive into her universe with Rebecca, one of her most well-known works alongside My cousin Rachel. It is considered to be a gothic novel and, yes, it is rather dark at times but the story and the plot twists were very well executed and I was hooked. So I guess thank you Stanley for the impeccable literary recommendation.
True Biz by Sara Novic
This book explores the lives of students attending a school for the deaf in Ohio and not only did I love the story and its characters but it also taught me so much about sign language and the Deaf community. I think sometimes what makes a book great is the way it opens you up to new perspectives and different ways of living and this one really did that for me.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
This was my first introduction to Ann Patchett’s work and I really loved it. I have since then read The Dutch House as well but Tom Lake remains my favourite of hers. I loved the small town vibe, the complexity of the characters and I found myself rooting for all of them, even those making questionable life choices.
Lost in the garden by Adam S Leslie
I was initially drawn to this book by its beautiful cover and bought it without checking the synopsis on the back. A tactic that is usually all or nothing, as I either end up loving the book or start questioning my life choices and force myself to finish a story that was absolutely not meant for me in the first place. Luckily, this one was the former. It is a story about people mysteriously disappearing in a small town and a few brave friends determined to solve the mystery. I read it really fast as I was eager to find out what was really going on and it did not disappoint.
Never let me go by Kazuo Ishiguro
This wasn't my first introduction to Ishiguro but I had yet to read one of his most well known novels. This book really moved me and I ended up discussing it at length with one of my friends afterwards because we were both so invested in the story. It is sad and beautiful and I still think about it often. I will most likely watch the movie with Andrew Garfield and Keira Knightley next time I am in need of a good cry.
Love in the time of cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
One of my teachers had once recommended this book to me, describing it as one of the greatest love stories of all time. I am not sure I fully agree with this assessment but I did really enjoy the story. I personally would 100% recommend this one over One hundred years of solitude if you are interested in discovering Gabriel Garcia Marquez' universe.
The figurine by Victoria Hislop
This is a story of belonging, heritage and connection set between Greece and the UK. I really flew through it as I was completely absorbed by the amazing characters, the story and the historical elements. I think it is a perfect pick if you are looking for a beautiful summer read to get lost in.
Good material by Dolly Alderton
This was my first introduction to Dolly Alderton’s work. It was really interesting to read about a break up from the man’s perspective and how he struggled with it. I think the ending is what made this book a really great read for me so I won’t spoil it for youbut it gave me a lot to think about when it comes to relationships, why we stay and why we sometimes have to leave.
The bandit queens by Parini Shroff
If revenge by women who have been wronged by the men in their lives was a literary niche, this book would probably be the poster story. This was such a funny, brilliant read and I can’t wait to see what this author writes next.
Lilith by Nikki Marmery
Once again, I was first drawn to this book by its gorgeous cover. I also love stories inspired by ancient tales so picking this one up really was a no brainer. The book is a retelling of the myth of Lilith, Adam’s first wife before Eve and it tells a beautiful story of standing up for yourself and finding your place in the world. It is also a reminder to always dig deeper when society tries to paint a woman as the villain.
Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara
In my opinion, you can rarely go wrong with a Greek mythology retelling and I have read many of them. I loved diving into the story of Psyche and Eros and the obstacles they had to overcome to finally be together. It’s a great read if you’re interested in learning more about the Greek myths and enjoy a good love story.
A thousand splendid suns by Khaled Hosseini
This book had been on my TBR for a long time before I finally picked it up and I think it is one of those books that everyone should read. The story is as sad as it is beautiful and it is a testament to the unbreakable spirit of women, even when faced with the worst of horrors. I think I’ll keep Mariam in my heart for a really long time.
I hope you enjoyed this article and hopefully have found some inspiration for your next read.
Love,
