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1Mesmerising novel about family and identity
Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld
Twice nominated for the Orange Prize, Curtis Sittenfeld is best known for American Wife, her thinly disguised fiction about the life of former First Lady Laura Bush. Her fourth novel, Sisterland, is a mesmerising story about family loyalty and how we construct our identities in relief to our nearest and dearest. Twins, Kate and Vi are as unalike as is possible - apart from their shared psychic powers. When Vi predicts a major earthquake, they're forced to deal with the legacy of their special senses and the media storm that ensues.
2The devil's back!
Revenge Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
The Devil Wears Prada – turned into a film with Meryl Streep – was a wonderfully waspish glimpse into the merciless world of fashion magazines. Revenge Wears Prada, Lauren Weisberger’s sequel, is just as fun, frivolous and fabulous.
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3Mean Girls for mums
The Hive by Gill Hornby
Anyone who’s ever stood at the school gates wondering why one of the Queen Bee mums won’t talk to them will relate to The Hive. This debut from Gill Hornby (sister of About A Boy author Nick Hornby) is a witty, sharply observed tale about female friendships. There’s a real buzz about this book (pun intended!).
4Powerful storytelling
And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
And The Mountains Echoed is the much anticipated new novel from the author of The Kite Runner. A heartbreaking story of enduring sibling love, with the vivid backdrops and emotionally powerful storytelling we have come to expect from the multi-million bestselling Khaled Hosseini.
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5Confessions of an invisible woman
The Woman Upstairs by Claire Messud
A middle-aged woman who feels life has passed her by narrates Claire Messud’s quietly menacing The Woman Upstairs. When a new child starts in teacher Nora’s class she finds herself falling in love with him and his exotic parents – to devastating effect.
6Sweeping saga
My Notorious Life by Madame X by Kate Manning
Inspired by the true story of one of the most successful – and controversial – abortionists of the 19thcentury, Kate Manning’s My Notorious Life by Madame X is an evocative, riveting read.
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7Enchanting jazz age thriller
The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell
A mysterious central character, stunning writing and an ending that will leave you reeling makes Suzanne Rindell’s The Other Typist the kind of book you can’t get out of your head.
8Coming of age story
The Yonahlossee Riding Camp For Girls by Anton DiSclafani
Anyone who galloped through pony books as a child will love The Yonahlossee Riding Camp For Girls. Anton DiSclafani’s debut, about a young woman sent away from home for her part a family scandal, is atmospheric and completely absorbing.
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9Funny and inspiring
I Laughed, I Cried by Viv Groskop
Approaching 40 and feeling fed up, journalist Viv Groskop decided it was finally time to attempt her childhood ambition to make it as a stand-up comedian. Her seize-the-day memoir, I Laughed, I Cried, will inspire anyone with a long-held dream.
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11Couldn’t put it down
Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty
A single reckless decision to start an affair ends with a respected female scientist on trial for murder in Louise Doughty’s terrifically compelling Apple Tree Yard.
12Politics and pas de deux
Strictly Ann by Ann Widdecombe
Expect strong views on everything from the MPs’ expenses scandal to Strictly Come Dancing in Ann Widdecombe’s autobiography Strictly Ann.
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13Rollicking read
Jacob's Folly by Rebecca Miller
Told from the point of view of a fly (yes, really), Rebecca Miller’s Jacob's Folly is original and engaging.
14Satisfying conclusion
Last Friends by Jane Gardam
Last Friends is the final installment in Jane Gardam’s Old Filth trilogy.
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15Read with tissues
The Son by Michel Rostain
Based on Michel Rostain’s own experiences, The Son is a heart-wrenching novel about a father dealing with the loss of his child.
16Lovely and lyrical
TransAtlantic by Colum McCann
In TransAtlantic three stories spanning 150 years are tied together with dazzling skill by Colum McCann.
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