APEIROGON by Colum McCann

Apeirogon is an extraordinary novel, both in plot and execution. Placing you somewhere between watching a documentary and reading a novel, it’s based on the true story of two grieving fathers, from opposite sides of the Israeli-Palestine conflict, trying to find their way to a common humanity. It’s the kind of book that will keep you busy for days and will send you off reading and researching in many different directions. Perfect if you’re self-isolating.

SUCH A FUN AGE by Kiley Reid

Such a Fun Age is a quick and satisfying read that looks at race and white privilege in America, with insights South Africans will appreciate. This is NOT worthy, preachy stuff — it’s a fabulous, clever, and funny read that brings real issues right home. 

THE BOOK OF GIFTS by Craig Higginson

This is local author Higginson’s fifth novel, and I would say his most nuanced. It’s a gripping story of a teenage boy and his complex family, set between Johannesburg, Umhlanga, and Mauritius. How nice it is to fantasise about champagne around the pool at the Oyster Box through Higginson’s descriptions. Oh, and Anna’s (yes, the Anna of Love Books) famous carrot cake makes an appearance in the novel too.

HAMNET by Maggie O’Farrell

Hamnet is one of the best things you’ll read this year. The devastating story of Shakespeare’s family, and in particular his son Hamnet, set during the time of… yes, the bubonic plague. Nothing feels more appropriate. 

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