A glamorous tale from the golden age of Hollywood to a compelling climate change manifesto and John Le Carré’s riveting final novel – here are the holiday reads that will keep you and your loved ones confined happily to your hammock/daybed/beachtowel/couch in 2022!
1. Earthshot by Colin Butfield and Jonnie Hughes and with an introduction by HRH Prince William
This powerful manifesto tackles the climate crisis and environmental change head on. This book provides the goals we must reach within the next 10 years to avoid irreparable damage to our planet. Its concept is simple: Urgency + Optimism = Action, and collective action is what is needed to put these goals into practice. This is a vital contribution to the most important discussion of the decade.
2. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This story takes readers straight to the splendour of old Hollywood as they explore the life of film star Evelyn Hugo. This tale is presented by reporter Monique Grant who is relatively unsuccessful in her own life. Starting in the 1950’s, the story of Evelyn’s life shows the ambition, friendship and love that power Hollywood, but as the tale ends Monique finds her life is entangled in this story more than she could have ever imagined.
3. Silverview by John le Carré
The final novel by the spymaster himself, John le Carré delves deep into the world of secrets. Julian Lawndsley has given up his high-flying city job for the simple life in a small seaside town. His peace is disturbed by Edward, a Polish émigré, who knows a little too much about Julian’s family and business dealings. When a letter turns up at the door of a spy chief in London, warning of a dangerous leak, his investigations lead him to this quiet town by the sea.
4. When Fishes Flew: The Story of Elena’s War by Michael Morpurgo
An Australian-Greek girl called Nandi travels to her ancestors’ home in Ithaca and becomes friends with an extremely unusual flying fish. Through this fish, Nandi learns the extraordinary story of her great-aunt Elena, a story of love and hardship and of how she became an unsung hero of World War Two. This is a book that will thrill readers who enjoyed Morpurgo’s classics Private Peaceful and War Horse.
5. Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
A story following a group of young friends living lives in the search of real connection and meaning. Alice, Felix, Eileen and Simone are still young – but life is catching up with them. They desire each other, delude each other, get together and break apart. This novel revolves around their worries about life looming large over them, their friendships and their relationships, and, most importantly, whether they can find a way to believe in a beautiful world.
6. Being Britney: Pieces of a Modern Icon by Jennifer Otter Bickerdike
Britney Spears – the woman whose name has been on everyone’s lips this past year, and will be for many years to come. Part biography, part social history, this book pieces together stories, interviews and fan experiences to create a definitive portrait of one of the biggest pop stars of recent history. Acclaimed music author, Jennifer Otter Bickerdike provides a sympathetic yet objective examination of Britney’s journey from girl next door to woman trapped by fame.
