Any other mouth by Anneliese Mackintosh
Delve into this brutal, compelling and savagely funny collection of interlinked short stories. Semi-autobiographical, Any Other Mouth is a candid and deeply personal exploration of grief, growing-up, family dynamics and explicit sexual experience. Mackintosh deftly reveals the raw reality of bereavement, balancing supreme honesty with a wrenching tenderness. Be prepared to cringe, cry and smile as you race through this playful and poignant book.
“The writing is first rate quick, luscious, direct, shocking and exciting.” – Sam, Readers’ Circle
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Badgerlands: the twilight world of Britain’s most enigmatic animal by Patrick Barkham
Dig deep and discover the subterranean world of the humble badger in this compelling account of the animal’s history. In Badgerlands, Barkham examines one of our most controversial creatures and investigates the badger’s track record of splitting public opinion between vicious vermin and cuddly character. Intriguing and instructive, Badgerlands debunks myths and proves that when it comes to badgers it’s never just black and white.
“Thoughtful, informative, engaging and eminently readable, Badgerlands succeeds on many levels.” – Ken, Readers’ Circle
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Black Country by Liz Berry
Take flight with this soaring collection of poetry, which weaves birds of all kinds through the text and swoops from childhood innocence to sensual pleasures. Black Country melds traditional West Midlands dialect with Berry’s fresh and contemporary voice, creating a distinctive linguistic energy. Using precise language and an acute awareness of heritage, Berry creates an atmosphere of folklore and magic which you’re sure to find enchanting.
“It’s sparkling with wit, energy and linguistic virtuosity, wonderfully unafraid of myth and magic.” – Anna, Readers’ Circle
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The dead lake by Hamid Ismailov (translated by Andrew Bromfield)
Mesmerising and haunting, this otherworldly fairytale describes a life shaped by landscape. Yerzhan is seemingly an ordinary young boy, but as you travel across the Kazakhstan steppes together he’ll lead you through his blighted youth; from the nuclear wasteland of his home to his lost love. Emotionally true, The Dead Lake will echo long after you’ve finished reading.
“Hypnotic, charming and challenging.” – Bianca, Readers’ Circle
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Fallen land by Patrick Flanery
Fallen Land charts the downfall of three generations of land-owners and the disintegration of their American dream. Louise reluctantly sells her family land, property developer Krovik builds on it and goes bankrupt, and the Noallies family move in, ready for an untainted future but unprepared for what’s to come. Saturated with an eerie menace, the prose shifts and mutates to create an unsettling and gripping novel.
“A chilling portrait of obsession and how it can get out of control. Fallen Land is a brilliant and compelling read.” – Julia, Readers’ Circle
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Prayers for the stolen by Jennifer Clement
A potent tale of survival and determination, Prayers for the Stolen tells the story of Ladydi: a fierce young girl who masquerades as a boy to escape the grasping threat of drug cartels. Ladydi is taught defiance by her wisecracking mother, yet the mountains of Mexico are filled with dangers; from toxic herbicides to ravaging gunmen. Immerse yourself in her enthralling life, and and an unforgettable adventure.
“A short novel, which packs a massive punch, well-written, powerful and empathetic.” – Frances, Readers’ Circle
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