In the war savaged Balkans a young doctor retells the stories of her grandfather's life. Despite fearsome beasts and human cruelty, this book makes me believe that it is possible to meet death with hope.
View The Tiger's Wife
A young girl's awakening from the domination of her violent and fanatically religious father, is echoed in the unfolding political crisis of a Nigerian military coup. The lightness of the writing belies some serious and complex themes - and it will definitely strike a chord if you can remember the first time you fell in love.
View Purple Hibiscus
This is a delightful little book which kept me hooked from beginning to end. Part fantasy, part humour and part fable, it made me think about many aspects of human life and why we do what we do.
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I really enjoyed this book and its enthralling mix of history, culture, and the supernatural. Set in 1890's Malaya (modern day Malaysia) the vividly described places and characters drew me in to the story and I felt as if I was journeying with the main character, Li Lan, as she tries to navigate life not just in the real world, but also in the spirit world. The resulting adventure was both thrilling and ingenious.
View The Ghost Bride
This poetry collection certainly lives up to its subtitle - 'poems of rebellion, fire and beauty'. Aimed primarily at women, particularly mothers of daughters and at the daughters themselves. I loved it for the variety of themes - astronomy, fairy tales, abuse, mental illness, Goddesses - and for the straightforward, beautiful language. Essential reading for all women and men as a celebration of female potential.
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All the passion, heat and colour of a swashbuckling saga await you within the pages of this novel. Set in the tropical paradise of Jamaica, this is romantic escapism with a satisfying filling of history and evocative atmosphere.
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This story of Tirzah, a teenager on the cusp of adulthood in a 1970's Welsh valley community, is so richly detailed that it reads as though the words have been embroidered directly onto the page. The book tells of Tirzah's struggles with chapel conservatism in a male dominated community and her ensuing rebellion with all that surrounds her. It is a story vividly told, reflecting its roots in Welsh folklore.
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In a paean to Iceland and its mythology, the author reworks Norse legend with strong feisty heroines. This is an epic tale of clan feuds and family loyalties, set in a volcanic land which still smoulders with passion and romance, beneath the glacial landscape . A marvellous modern interpretations of the ancient oral sagas.
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Think of it like this - the Fantastic Four take on the slave traders. A witch, a spirit, a man who can disappear and a man who cannot be harmed by weapons do battle with slave traders in the newly independent Liberia. These four are brought together in a stunning narrative of extraordinary power. It is like The Famished Road on steroids.
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Daughters of Africa was published by Margaret Busby in 1992. This is the update, celebrating women of African descent across the world. There are hundreds of contributors, many of whom I have worked with both as a librarian and in the anti-racist movement. The variety in content is huge – I recommend you dip in and out for the best reading experience. A must read for anyone looking to understand the role of black women in our world.
View New Daughters of AfricaYou won’t find the biggest bestsellers on Whichbook as everyone knows about them already. But you can use your enjoyment of a current bestseller to see titles with a similar mood that you might try next.
