Seeing as it's been a while since I last shared with you some of the latest novels I've recieved in the mail, I think it's time to do it again (and to make this a regular thing!) Getting a new book in the post, or even via email, never fails to brighten my day, so here are three newly-acquired novels on the reading pile...
The Rocks by Peter Nichols
When I was contacted by Quercus about The Rocks, I was rather intrigued. The Rocks is described as a darkly comic womens' fiction novel, from an author whose work I have not yet read, so this is quite exciting.
One summer’s day in 2005 an elderly couple meet by accident on a Mallorcan hillside. They haven’t crossed paths since their divorce over fifty years ago but during a passionate argument they plunge over the cliffs together to their deaths.
As their grieving families plan the funerals a long buried history is revealed, unravelling over sixty years, amid the olive groves and bars, the boats and poolside parties, the lives and relationships of two intertwined families within an expat community of endearing and flawed characters. And as one story is revealed, another, sweeter one, a love story of a couple from the younger generation, arises in the wake of their elder’s failures.
The Rocks is a darkly comic, bittersweet, finally heartbreaking novel, that slips back in time to reveal the shocking incident that marked and altered these lives forever.
The Anti-Model Agency by Nicky Schmidt
I've been a big fan of Nicky Schmidt since her first novel, Naked in Knightsbridge. It was a quirky, unique chick-lit novel that I couldn't help but love, as was her next book, Marrying Out of Money. So I was excited to hear about The Anti-Model Agency - which is due to be released in February - and to receive a review copy.
The moment Dizzy Kane is catapulted from her council estate to the catwalk, she promises herself there is no going back. However, when fate and the urge to feast on fries and booze step in, Dizzy is fired for failing to maintain her size zero figure, losing her agency and rockstar boyfriend along the way. Finding herself back in the airless little flat she grew up in, with a mother completely lacking in boundaries and a geeky neighbourhood boy who only has marriage on his mind, Dizzy sets about taking revenge on the industry that turned its Paris-thin back on her.
(...and in my bag!)
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Okay, so I wasn't sent this one - I've been hearing great things about The Girl on the Train on Twitter recently, so on a weekend shopping trip, I headed into Waterstones and picked this up. Just a few chapters in, and unable to put it down, I can see why this novel is gaining such praise. This is Paula's debut novel.
Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She's even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. 'Jess and Jason', she calls them. Their life - as she sees it - is perfect. If only Rachel could be that happy. And then she sees something shocking. It's only a minute until the train moves on, but it's enough. Now everything's changed. Now Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she's only watched from afar. Now they'll see; she's much more than just the girl on the train...
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