Backwaters
By Emma Ling Sidnam
In Backwaters, Laura, a fourth-generation Asian New Zealander who’s tired of questions about where she’s “from-from”, delves into her great-great-grandfather Ken’s diary, sparking a transformative journey of self-discovery and family secrets. This nuanced novel explores her quest for belonging in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Read more: In conversation with Gifkins Prize winner Emma Ling Sidnam on her debut novel Backwaters
Kill Your Husbands
By Jack Heath
Indulge in this witty page-turner which follows three couples into the mountains on an unplugged weekend away with a casual partner-swapping game. Their plans take a dark turn when one of the men is discovered dead after the lights come back on. Stranded with a killer among them, expect pure unhinged chaos to ensue.
The Modern
By Anna Kate Blair
Working at MoMA in New York City, Sophia, who lives a seemingly perfect life with her fiancé, begins to ponder the meaning of marriage in the 21st century. This leads her to question her relationships, her career, the consequences of modernity, and whether being on the right path can lead you to the wrong place.
Read more: Meet our Friday Muse Anna Kate Blair, author of ‘The Modern’
Feel Good Productivity
By Ali Abdaal
Head into the new year with a fresh take on productivity, which, according to Dr. Ali Abdaal, the world’s leading expert on the subject, comes down to finding joy in your work. Pick up new concepts backed by psychological research on how to stay energised and focussed, overcome your blockers, and ultimately feel more fulfilled.
Green Dot
By Madeline Gray
If you’ve ever felt left behind while everyone else bounds ahead in life, reach for this irresistible and messy novel which traces main character Hera’s missteps as she tries to skip forward. A painfully relatable tale of the allure of wanting something that promises nothing, and the joys and indignities of coming into adulthood.
Good Material
By Dolly Alderton
Dolly Alderton’s highly anticipated second novel about recently brokenup- with comedian Andy – and his spiralling reflection on his shattered relationship – touches on the mystery of what draws us together, and what pulls us apart, the pain of really growing up, and the stories we tell about our lives.
