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16 books to read right now

Looking for a gripping new read? From a new book from Marian Keyes to some brilliant debuts, Books Editor Joanne Finney recommends her top picks.
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1

Exposure by Helen Dunmore

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One of our most outstanding writers, Helen Dunmore has drawn inspiration from the classic spy novel for her latest book. Exposure opens in 1960s London where top secret files have gone missing and are believed to have been sold to the Russians. While it has all the thrill and menace of a John Le Carré novel, Dunmore is more interested in the personal. Much of the novel focuses on the relationship between the key suspect and his wife, who emigrated to Britain as a Jewish refugee as a young girl. An atmospheric read full of vivid characters – if you're only going to buy one book this month, make it this one.

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2

The Ballroom by Anna Hope

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The Ballroom by Anna Hope is an exquisite love story set in a mental asylum where the patients meet once a week to dance. It's also a fascinating look at how society treated those who were judged ‘mad’ 100 years ago.

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3

In A Land Of Paper Gods by Rebecca Mackenzie

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In A Land Of Paper Gods by Rebecca Mackenzie is a wonderful coming-of-age story set in a boarding school for the children of British missionaries in China. An imaginative and touching debut.

4

Rush Oh! by Shirley Barrett

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A charming narrator and quirky humour makes Rush Oh! a real joy. Set in a small whaling community in New South Wales at the start of the 20th century, this first novel from Shirley Barrett is an unusual and enjoyable tale.

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5

The Ex by Alafair Burke

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In The Ex, a New York lawyer defending an ex-boyfriend accused of murder starts to doubt his client's innocence. Alafair Burke sustains the suspense to the last page in this tautly-written drama.

6

Viral by Helen Fitzgerald

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TV rights have already been snapped up for Viral by Helen FitzGerald. This is a timely thriller about a leaked sex tape and a mum's attempt to hunt down the men who shamed her teenage daughter online

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7

Making It Up As I Go Along by Marian Keyes

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The fabulous Irish author Marian Keyes shares her take on modern life, from breaking up with your hairdresser to reaching 50. Making It Up As I Go Along will make you laugh, cry and feel less alone.

8

Please Enjoy Your Happiness by Paul Brinkley-Rogers

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While serving with the British Navy as a 19 year old, Paul Brinkley Rogers had an affair with an older Japanese woman. Many years later, he rediscovers her letters and tells the story of their brief passion, and his realisation that she was the love of his life in the deeply romantic Please Enjoy Your Happiness.

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9

The Noise Of Time by Julian Barnes

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Man Booker winner Julian Barnes returns with his first novel in five years. The Noise Of Time is the story of a controversial composer’s struggle to express himself freely in Soviet Russia. A thoughtful, moving read about integrity, compromise and courage

10

You And Me, Always by Jill Mansell

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A letter written by her mother before her death sends Lily on a journey to find out more about her past. You And Me, Always is another lovely, uplifting read from Jill Mansell.

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11

Jonathan Unleashed by Meg Rosoff

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Best-selling children’s writer Meg Rosoff, author of How I Live Now, has written her first book for adults. Jonathan Unleashed is an hilarious, heart-warming rom-com set in New York.

12

My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout

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The complicated relationship between mothers and daughters is at the heart of My Name Is Lucy Barton. Another magnificent and insightful novel from US best-seller, Elizabeth Strout.
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13

Your Heart Is A Muscle by Sunil Yapa

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Seattle's 1999 riots act as the backdrop of Sunil Yapa’s electrifying Your Heart Is A Muscle The Size Of A Fist. A very special book that will make you think and feel.

14

Gold Fame Citrus by Claire Vaye Watkins

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There’s a wealth of dystopian novels this year. Our pick is Gold Fame Citrus, a breath-taking first novel from Claire Vaye Watkins in which she imagines a world without water.

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15

For The Most Beautiful by Emily Hauser

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The story of the siege of Troy gets a shot of new life thanks to Emily Hauser's brilliant storytelling. In For The Most Beautiful, she cleverly retells the myth from the point of view of the women involved.

16

The Lovers by Rod Norland

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The Lovers by New York Times journalist, Rod Norland, is the captivating account of a young couple, one Sunni, the other Shia, who put their lives at risk in order to be together.

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