So, in no particular order, let's jump straight into it:
Let Them East Chaos by Kate Tempest
(Paperback, Picador, 72 pages)
First up is this book, which contains a single poem. I previously reviewed this one back in May, original post linked 'here' in case you're interested. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars and I definitely still stand by that rating. I feel like it's even a poem for people who don't necessarily 'get' poetry or find poetry inaccessible usually, everyone will be able to take something from it and grasp what Tempest is trying to say. It's topical, current and political and I'd definitely recommend you give this one a go if you're looking to try out something a little bit different.
Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
(Hardback, Hamish Hamilton, 228 pages)
I read this book prior to it being shortlisted for the 2017 Man Booker Prize, but it was definitely a worthy contender. It primarily follows two young characters: Saeed and Nadia when their country is torn apart by war... They become estranged from their own country and must seek peace elsewhere by travelling through one of the mysterious doors which start to appear around the world and form a link to other countries. Do not be fooled into thinking that this is a love story or full of magical realism, it isn't one and is only framed by this magical 'door' aspect. Although the novel does follow the pair's relationship it has a raw 'realness' and the focus of the narrative focuses more greatly on the political turmoil and it's impact, so is not romantic in a typical sense. Hamid explores the personal perspective of what it is to be a refugee and the public reaction of others. It's beautifully told, almost poetic at times and is definitely a must read in my opinion.
[4.5/5 stars]
By Light We Knew Our Names by Anne Valente
(Paperback, Dzanc Books, 222 pages)
I gave this short story collection by Anne Valente 4.5 stars out of 5 because of it's beautiful language, interesting concepts and the merging of magical realism and realistic stories, my original review can be found 'here'. I think this will be a collection I return to and reread in the future and is a good place to start for anyone who is new to short stories.
Autumn by Ali Smith
(Hardback, Hamish Hamilton, 263 pages)
My final pick is this very aesthetically pleasing edition of 'Autumn', I received this one for my birthday earlier this year and only recently got round to reading it. Safe to say I absolutely loved this book, but it won't be to everyone's tastes. This is for lovers of contemporary and literary fiction, who enjoy non-linear narratives, playful language and unconventional writing techniques. Broadly speaking this novel depicts a friendship between a young girl and her elderly neighbour, mostly set against the back drop of Brexit and 'current' political events. However, because it touches on so many different themes and topics it would be impossible to mention them all here - I feel like you'd pick up on different things every time you reread it. Published in 2016 this is the first book in a seasonal quartet, the second of which called 'Winter' was only released fairly recently. I'm looking forward to reading more of Smith's work next year (especially the rest of this little collection).
[4.5/5 stars]
So they are my best books of 2017!
I'm hoping to get back on track with more regular posts going forward into the New Year, so watch this space for new content in 2018!
Laura.
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