Children of Radium by Joe Dunthorne
Every family has secrets, but when Joe Dunthorne’s quest to find the origin of his wedding ring brings him into contact with the dreaded ‘family archive’ – a meandering 2000 page memoir written in German by his great-grandfather Siegfried detailing his scientific research throughout the 20th century – he realises that there’s a lot more digging to do, digging which may well result in some literal and figurative fallout.
What made great-grandpa Siegfried think that putting radium in toothpaste was a good idea? Did he have any idea what his top secret research for the German government would mean for future generations? And what about suspicious omissions between 1933-1936 in his otherwise overly-detailed memoir?
Children of Radium deftly juggles Dunthorne’s own family history, science, the ghosts of the past, their effect on current events and our ultimate ethical responsibilities with refreshing, tactful grace – Tom B
The Visitor by Maeve Brennan
Anastasia King has been living in Paris for six years with her mother, after they fled their life in Dublin. Now her mother is dead and Anastasia is forced to head back to Ireland, where she has nobody to call on but her paternal grandmother.
Though Mrs King accepts it is her duty to allow her granddaughter into her home, she clearly does not want Anastasia there; she blames her and her mother for everything that happened after the went to France, and is ready to take her vengeance.
Clipped prose, spare storytelling, and social history spilling out from between the lines, make this little rediscovered gem a must-read for fans of Claire Keegan. – Tom M
Comedic Timing by Upasna Barath
When Naina breaks up with her long-term girlfriend, she knows she needs a clean slate. Moving to New York may feel like a cliche, but it’s a classic for a reason: her first week in the city brings a new job with a highly-strung boss, a new housemate with a trash TV addiction, and a party full of strangers – all excellent fuel for Naina’s writing and a brilliant distraction from her failed relationship. But then David walks into the party, and suddenly everything she knows about who she is and what she wants is thrown into sharp focus.
This warm, thoughtful romance reflects on what it means to be attracted to someone, and how that informs our opinions and identities. Delivering a great balance of witty, smart, and sexy, this is the kind of book you’ll devour in one sitting. – Lottie