This year has seen an extraordinary amount of book releases that have continued to make waves in the world of international fiction.
In our list of the best books to give as gifts – or fill your own bookshelves with – this Christmas, you can expect everything from wartime tales of despair and loss to a spooky family drama.
So, if you’re still looking for a gift for your bookworm friend, we suggest you take a closer look at our pick of December’s hottest fiction.
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Akin (Picador) by Emma Donoghue
The story: When Noah is tasked with caring for his great-nephew, Michael, they go on a journey to unlock wartime secrets. An exquisite portrayal of an adult and child making their way in the world.
From R297.00 at exclusivebooks.co.za
The Glittering Hour (Simon & Schuster) by Iona Grey
The story: In her latest novel, Iona brilliantly captures the difficult choices a woman must make in the post-war 1920s. Told through the eyes of society girl Selina and her daughter, this story looks at truly living, versus simply surviving.
From R221.00 at exclusivebooks.co.za
The Lying Room (Simon & Schuster) by Nicci French
The story: Busy mom Neve Connolly makes an intriguing and troubling decision not to phone the police after seeing a dead body. From then on, this gripping situation starts spiralling out of control. You’ll want to put time aside for this twisty, psychological thriller – it’s hard to put down.
From R313.00 at exclusivebooks.co.za
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The Dressmaker’s Gift (Lake Union) by Fiona Valpy
The story: Harriet knows little about her mother’s family, but she does have a photo of her French grandmother with two women, all seamstresses. Arriving in Paris, she begins to uncover the truth about these women living in the Nazi-occupied city in 1940. A deeply nostalgic read.
From R194.00 at exclusivebooks.co.za
Gone (Black Swan) by Leona Deakin
The story: A dark, psychological story following PI Dr Augusta Bloom, who’s drawn into a complex game. People are missing, but there’s no evidence of their abductions, or who’s behind them. Clever and well plotted.
From R180.00 at exclusivebooks.co.za
The Lost Ones (HQ) by Anita Frank
The story: Haunted by the loss of her beloved fiancé in the war, Stella Marcham is invited to stay with her sister Madeleine. She arrives expecting a chance to recover, but strange goings-on soon have her questioning her sanity. An utterly gripping and atmospheric narrative.
From R313.00 at exclusivebooks.co.za
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The Family Gift (Orion) by Cathy Kelly
The story: Celebrity chef Freya’s picture-perfect life with her wonderful kids and attentive husband, Dan, starts to crumble when Dan’s model ex-wife, Elisa, re-enters their lives. Cathy’s novel shines an insightful light on female insecurity, and the healing power of self-belief and family support.
From R292.00 at exclusivebooks.co.za
By Features Writer, Marike Watson
