So the sun is shining, your husband is looking after the kids, and there’s a sun lounger with your name on it. All you need now is the perfect book to make the most of the UAE National Day long weekend. Here’s a selection of my favourites – happy reading!
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A SERIES
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
The first in a quartet, this Italian author’s portrayal of female friendship set against a backdrop of poverty in 1950s Naples, is beautifully written and put simply, compelling reading. The characters of Elena and Lila are so descriptive, you find yourself rooting for them and you won’t be able to resist continuing their journey in the sequels of The Story of a New Name, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay, and The Story of The Lost Child.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A THRILLER
Gillian McAllister – Everything But The Truth
This is a debut novel from British writer Gillian McAllister, which came out in March 2017. It’s a thriller, which sees events unfold when Rachel sees an email on her boyfriend’s computer. She loves Jack and she's pregnant with their child. She trusts him. But now she's seen it, she can't undo that moment or the chain of events it has set in motion. A real page-turner, which might leave you questioning right and wrong.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A HAPPY ENDING
Sitting Pretty by April Hardy
Romantic comedy readers will love Sitting Pretty by Dubai-based author April Hardy. A laugh-out-loud novel, the book describes professional pet-sitter Beth go through the trials and tribulations as a result of her husband who leaves her to jet off to Dubai for a new job. But Beth has a plan and there are enough twists to keep you hooked till the end of this very enjoyable novel.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO BE INSPIRED
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
An inspirational book about a woman who lost everything, but found everything and more, on her journey across the Pacific Crest Trail. Raw, honest, and insightful, Cheryl is just 22 when she undertakes the 1000-mile hike from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State with no experience or training. Documenting her journey of pain, solitude, and ultimately survival, Cheryl’s journey is a fascinating read.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT
The Power by Naomi Alderman
This title came up in my book club. It’s described as dystopian fiction but on the author’s website she describes it as a piece of feminist science fiction. In the novel, very suddenly almost all the women in the world develop the power to electrocute people at will - anything from a tiny tingle all the way to full electro-death. It's also a novel of ideas - what would happen if women had the power to cause pain and destruction? But it's also an incredible thriller; in pursuit of power each of the main characters eventually come into conflict with the others.