book club: flavourful fictions for spring

Is any season so welcome? The days start to grow longer, hints of Springtime begin to burst into the forests and fields, and as nature begins to bloom, so too do the books of the season. A time to appreciate our changing surroundings, these new novels are the perfect accompaniment to taking some time out, getting wrapped up and taking a seat out in your garden, on your balcony or local park.

Groundskeeping, Lee Cole

In aid of funding his passion for writing, aspirational Owen Callaghan returns to Kentucky to live with his Trump-supporting family members in the wake of the 2016 Presidential Election. Taking a job in groundskeeping at the local college in return for a place on their writing programme, Owen befriends resident Bosnian born writer, Alma, who oozes literary talent. But as these two very different people entangle themselves in a secretive relationship, America begins to come apart at the seams. Will they work through the inter-generational issues, or will the ongoing political and class divides tear their blossoming love apart?

What we think… A deeply moving read which provides a great insight into life in modern America.

French Braid, Anne Tyler

The Garrett family are less connected than meets the eye. Struggling to leave the house, the family are continually haunted by the events of their last vacation together in 1959, making them drift further and further apart. As the children grow older, their mother Mercy takes the leap to become a painter, gradually moving herself out of the family home and into a gallery where she is no longer cluttered with items from the family’s past. This book is a masterful, extra-ordinary insight into family life, whilst remaining amusing and engaging at the same time.

What we think… Elevated, funny, and packed with uncanny warmth, whilst providing a profound insight into the trials and tribulations of family life.

The Cartographers, Peng Shepherd

Nell Young has lived her life in maps, or cartography as it’s also known. Growing up with her famous cartographer father, Nell developed a passion for creating the maps herself, well, before her father fired her over a strange roadside map. When her father is found dead in his office, she notices this very map tucked away at the back of an office drawer – a map once mass produced, which is now being destroyed by any map collector who can get their hands on it. But why? What secret does this map hold? The dangerous journey for answers will lead Nell into a conspiracy deeper than she thought possible.

What we think… An intriguing book guaranteed to captivate you within the first few pages.

The Woman in the Library, Sulari Gentil

Due to be released in May, this is one to put on the pre-order list. A story within a story, this sharply thrilling novel begins in Boston Public Library with four aspiring writers sharing a table and engaging in polite chatter. But three of them weren’t expecting the terrified screaming from the other end of the library – one of them is the murderer, but who? A crime novel even Agatha Christie would be proud of, this book won’t take you long to finish.

What we think… A suspicious story with an unexpected twist, keeping you engrossed from the first page to the last.

Black Cake, Charmaine Wilkerson

When the passing of their much-loved Mother brings them back together following years of estrangement, siblings Byron and Benny are left to work through their puzzling inheritance; an audio recording of her life story. This recording takes them on a journey of discovery from the Caribbean, to London and California, ending with the recipe to her famous black cake. Enveloped in the cultural significance of black cake traditions, this novel is a masterclass in finding oneself whilst learning to reconnect with those once held dear.

What we think… A beautifully written story bursting with Caribbean culture.

Wahala, Nikki May

Friends since university, Ronke, Boo, and Simi all have very different ideals of what they want their lives to become. From success to family, each has a goal that they’re working hard to achieve. That’s until childhood friend Isobel swoops in and charms all of them except one. Isobel begins to intervene in each of their lives, sometimes for the better, but at the cost of the strength of the original trio’s friendship. Wahala, the Nigerian word for ‘trouble’, is an entertaining novel that differs from the previous friendship-fiction offerings, packed with drama, secrets, and fun..

What we think… Charismatic and energetic, this modern take on friendship is a must read.