What better way to pass your free time in February than by curling up with a good book? It’s (still) cold and it’s (still) dark, but there are plenty of great new books to choose from – and if that’s not reason to be optimistic, we don’t know what is.
From the return of Francis Spufford to memoirs by everyone from Gisèle Pelicot to Sajid Javid, it is set to be a great month of reading….
Nonesuch by Francis Spufford
The latest novel from this prize-winning author is a genre-mashing, time-bending delight. Opening in London in the summer of 1939, it follows Iris, a driven young woman whose chance encounter with a tech genius opens up a whole new universe and gives her the chance to change the course of history.
Faber, £20
A Better Life by Lionel Shriver
Gloria is a divorcee living with her 26-year-old son, Nico, in a large Brooklyn home. When she decides to take in Martine, a young migrant from Honduras, she’s delighted when she turns out to be lovely and helpful – but Nico has other feelings.
The Borough Press, £22
The Shock of the Light by Lori Inglis Hall
In this deeply compelling novel, the Second World War looms and secrets have driven a wedge between twins Theo and Thesa. When he joins the airforce, and she is sent to occupied France on covert missions, the consequences become devastating.
The Borough Press, £18.99
Weavingshaw by Heba Al-Wasity
Desperate to save her unwell brother, Leena Al-Sayer seeks out a mysterious merchant who will trade your darkest secret for your deepest desire. Needless to say, this doesn’t go as smoothly as planned; there is much still in store for the characters of this gothic fantasy and slow-burn romance.
Bantam, £20
Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash
The likes of Lena Dunham have already praised this novel about three sisters who are living with the disastrous consequences of their parents opening their marriage. Exploring everything from family dysfunction to crime and conspiracies, the book is devilishly funny and smart.
Doubleday, £16.99
Crux by Gabriel Tallent
After reading this novel, you will want to press it into the hands of everyone you know. It’s a heart-stopping tale of hope and friendship, tracing two Californian teenagers growing up in poverty and dreaming of becoming legendary rock climbers.
Fig Tree, £18.99
Good People by Patmeena Sabit
This thrilling, addictive read centres on the Sharafs, who arrived in the US as Afghan refugees and became the picture of the American Dream. Then the eldest daughter Zorah dies and the illusion of the shiny perfect family quickly shatters.
Virago, £16.99
Some Bright Nowhere by Ann Packer
First diagnosed with cancer eight years ago, Claire is now preparing to die – and her final request leaves her husband of forty years knocked for six. This novel about marriage and consequential choices is as devastating as it is life-affirming.
Fourth Estate, £16.99
The Colour of Home by Sajid Javid
pening with a brutal childhood memory of racist abuse in 1970s Rochdale, the former Chancellor’s memoir is clear-eyed and surprisingly tender. Touching on poverty, alienation and ambition, it frames his rise not as triumphalism but as a message to outsiders to keep going.
Abacus, £25
Leaving Home by Mark Haddon
A vividly observed account of growing up in a loveless home in provincial England, from the author of the hit novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time: this is a memoir alive with dry humour, sadness and sharp insight into memory and escape.
Century, £25
Royal Spin by Omid Scobie and Robin Benway
This glossy, fast-paced romance, set inside the machinery of modern monarchy, is co-written by the royal commentator and author behind the bestselling Harry and Meghan biography, Finding Freedom. A book of palace politics, forbidden attraction, and plenty of crowd-pleasing escapism.
Sphere, £22
A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot
Pelicot writes for the first time about the years of abuse by her husband and dozens of other men, and her decision to testify publicly. Direct and unsensational, the book focuses on survival, accountability and the practical cost of refusing silence.
Bodley Head, £22
Starchild by Dr Maggie Aderin
During her turbulent childhood in Camden caught up in custody battles, Aderin dreamt of going to space. Now a space scientist and successful presenter, she looks back at her journey in this frank, warm and determinedly hopeful memoir.
BBC Books, £22
Another World by Melvyn Bragg
The 86-year-old broadcaster revisits his transformative Oxford years after leaving a Cumbrian market town. Part coming-of-age, part social portrait, this is a poignant read about awakening ambition at a moment of personal and national change.
Sceptre, £22
