At our monthly proof and pints session, we decide which new books to rave about. Here are our top picks coming out this April - see what you think!
The Gentleman from Peru by André Aciman
A summering group of Americans on the Amalfi Coast draw the attention of an eccentric gentleman who knows things about them that no stranger could know. Aciman goes strange in this pitch perfect novella.
Rory
Song of the Huntress by Lucy Holland
For fans of myth and folklore retellings: Set in 7th century Wessex, Song of the Huntress interweaves history and Celtic folklore while tackling themes of womanhood, queerness, loss, and responsibility. Perfect for fans of Jennifer Saint and Madeline Miller wanting to try some non-Greek mythology.
Darby
Day One by Abigail Dean
Dean pulls no punches in this exploration of how the fictional Stonesmere's community reacts to a shocking primary school shooting. Each chapter follows different characters, including family members of the dead and a person who gets entangled with out of town conspiracy theorists. I loved Girl A, Dean's debut, and this is just as compelling, a proper 'read in a day' book.
Denise
Anomaly by Andrej Nikolaidis
An apocalypse on New Year’s Day ravages the Earth, unfolding through a series of stories about odd people that interconnected and overlap. Curiously narrated and written like a piece of music.
Rory
As Young as This by Roxy Dunn
This is 34 year old aspiring actress Margot's story told in the relationships she has had with men, who she has seen as the stepping stones to marriage and motherhood. From her first sexual encounter, big romance, messy break up and all the iterations in between. But what if her story doesn't end how she has always imagined? Perfect for fans of Dolly Alderton, Monica Heisy and Daisy Buchanan.
Denise
Vintage Nicholls. Funny, bittersweet, ever so human. Two lonely thirtysomethings are reluctantly persuaded by a mutual friend to join a group walk. The group soon peels off and the two are left alone… Very nicely done. Had me chuckling at the breakfast table (“Do you get the sublime in London?”/“You do, but only in certain postcodes.”) and planning a long-distance walk from the safety of my sun lounger.
Tom
James by Percival Everett
James is a retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim, an enslaved man who runs away to avoid being sold away from his family. With it being about American slavery in the mid-1850s, the subject matter is heavy; however, it's written in a way that's approachable and even fast-paced. In addition to exploring racism and human cruelty, Everett focuses on language and the power of being able to tell one's own story.
Darby
All of these books are either hot off the press or just about to come out. Double check the publication date of any books on our April round-up before you pre-order. They will dispatch on the publication date. Enjoy reading!