2013 has been a disappointing year for fiction, but there are a few gems out there.
Here are my favourite books of the year so far:
The best 2013 release I’ve read is My Notorious Life by Kate Manning. It is an atmospheric book set in 19th century New York. It deals with the controversial subject of abortion in a sensitive and thought-provoking way and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys intelligent story-telling.
The Son by Michel Rostain isn’t an easy read as it is about a man who loses his teenage son to meningitis. The realistic nature of the text makes this book heart-breaking in places, but it is also full of hope. I’ve never read another book that makes me understand the emotions of another human so completely and so this more than makes up for the pain induced by reading it.
Magda by Meike Ziervogel gives a short, but powerful insight into the reason Magda Goebbels chose to murder her own children. It isn’t a happy read, but I love books that pack an emotional punch in this way.
The First Book of Calamity Leek by Paula Lichtarowicz is the most original book I’ve read this year. It is set in a large house where a group of girls are imprisoned. It isn’t perfect, but I loved the mystery and the way the girls built up their own language/society. Recommended to anyone looking for something a bit different. .
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The only 2013 release I’ve awarded 5 stars to is Far From the Tree by Andrew Solomon. This non-fiction book will make you look at disability, parenting and society in a whole new light. The world would be a better place if everyone read it.
Have you read any of these books?
Which 2013 releases have you most enjoyed?
















![A SUITABLE BOY [A Suitable Boy ] BY Seth, Vikram(Author)Paperback 01-Oct-2005 A SUITABLE BOY [A Suitable Boy ] BY Seth, Vikram(Author)Paperback 01-Oct-2005](http://images2.farmlanebooks.co.uk/2012/12/suit.jpg)











