Some quickfire catch up reviews

Some quick reviews

So many books to review, so few weeks to do it! This week we do some quick-fire reviews of some of my favourite books of 2024 (that I haven’t reviewed yet!).

Let’s go!

The Stationery Shop of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

This is one of those novels that feels like a window into another world. Set in 1950s Tehran, it’s the story of Roya, a book-loving teenager, who falls in love with Bahman, a passionate young idealist, in the cosy, magical setting of a stationery shop. But their love is tested by political upheaval and personal betrayal, and the story spans decades as they reckon with what could have been. Kamali’s writing is so vivid, you can almost taste the food and hear the bustling streets of Tehran. Beyond the romance, the book is an invitation to learn about a piece of history not often explored in Western narratives—the heartbreak and hope of a country on the brink of change. It’s a beautiful reminder of how books can take us to new places and teach us about lives and histories we might not otherwise know.

Bodies of Light by Jennifer Down

This one is an emotional masterpiece that delves deep into one woman’s journey through trauma, resilience, and identity. Maggie’s story, spanning decades, is raw and unflinching as she navigates the ripple effects of her turbulent childhood in the Australian foster care system. Down’s prose is stunning—sparse yet lyrical, capturing both the quiet beauty and immense pain of Maggie’s life. It’s not always an easy read, but it’s a rewarding one that offers a nuanced look at a history and a system that deserves more attention. This is storytelling at its most empathetic and powerful.

Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe

I had to throw in a nonfiction book, and it is a doozy. Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe is a jaw-dropping exposé of the Sackler family, the dynasty behind Purdue Pharma and the opioid crisis. Keefe peels back the layers of their rise to power, from their art-world philanthropy to the relentless greed and denial that fuelled an epidemic devastating millions. What makes this book unforgettable isn’t just the meticulous research—it’s the way Keefe transforms cold, hard facts into a gripping, deeply human story of ambition, corruption, and complicity. It’s a masterclass in narrative nonfiction that will leave you furious, heartbroken, and unable to look away. If you’ve ever wondered how one family could shape the course of a nation’s public health, this is the book to read. Warning – this is rage inducing!

James by Percival Everett.

This was my pick to win the Booker Prize this year—and shocker, it didn’t win! (I never pick the winner, so no surprises there.) James by Percival Everett is such a brilliant, bold reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, told from Jim’s perspective—the enslaved man who journeys with Huck. Everett breathes so much life and intelligence into Jim, making him a fully realised character navigating a world stacked against him. The book dives deep into identity, freedom, and the sheer power of storytelling, forcing us to rethink the classic through a fresh, modern lens. I have such a soft spot for retellings like this (think On Beauty by Zadie Smith), and this one absolutely delivers!

Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris

And finally this week we have Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris which is a powerful and moving story set during the siege of Sarajevo, told through the eyes of Zora, an artist determined to stay in her city even as war tears it apart. Morris captures the heartbreak and small acts of defiance that happen when everything familiar is slipping away. Zora’s love for her home and her art is woven beautifully into the chaos, showing how people cling to beauty and connection even in the darkest times. It’s the kind of book that stays with you, reminding you of the strength and fragility of human lives in the midst of unimaginable loss. If you’re drawn to stories that feel deeply personal yet speak to larger truths, this one is a must-read.

Five books to add to your TBR, because life is too short to read bad books.