May 2025 Reading Superlatives
Posted on 1st June, 2025
Category: Recommendations
I have had another good month for reading, and am looking forward to seeing who wins the Women’s Prize for Fiction (12th June), and the Carnegie Awards for children’s and YA books (19th June).
Best Speculative Novel
I loved Ali Smith’s Gliff, a dystopian novel set in the near future. Two children have to cope when they find themselves homeless and inadvertently abandoned by their mother. I found both siblings appealing, and all the characters are interesting. I also appreciated having sections showing what happened to one of the children later. This book deals with serious issues, but is ultimately hopeful, and I was utterly engrossed.
Best Classic Crime Reprint
Clifford Witting is one of my favourite classic crime authors, and I was particularly impressed by Silence After Dinner. This was first published in 1953, and I was interested by the plot which is very much driven by events that have happened previously in China. Some Communists captured a few Christian missionaries, one of whom then behaved very dishonourably. We know what has happened but not the identity of the culprit who has returned to England. I liked the English village setting which showed the problems and advantages of living in a small community.
Best Reprint of a Novella
J. B. Priestley’s Three Men in New Suits was first published in 1945, and describes the return of three men from the war. They have fought together but are from different social backgrounds, and have rather different experiences when they get home. The novella shows the difficulties of returning to civilian life when families fail to realise that the men and society have changed. Priestley’s social and political concerns are much in evidence, and this is particularly interesting to read if you know ‘An Inspector Calls’ which he wrote at much the same time. I found it very readable, cared about the characters, and was pleased that the ending had hopeful elements.
Best Children’s Book with an Urban Setting
Tom Percival’s The Wrong Shoes (9+) has received much attention and critical acclaim, and I can see why. It may sound a bleak novel as it looks at how Will struggles with poverty, and his problems are obviously distressing. The book also shows, however, how much he is helped by small acts of kindness, minor victories, and the support of others. Percival’s many illustrations add to the richness of the reading experience, and I always find it interesting to see how an author sees their characters. This is an impressive book.
Best Children’s Book with an Island Setting
Katya Balen’s Ghostlines (9+) is in my opinion the best book she has written since the wonderful October, October. I was intrigued by the island setting where the islanders are left to themselves once the puffins and tourists have left. Tilda is an appealing protagonist, and her love of the island is described well. It is easy, however, to understand why Albie, a newcomer from the mainland, is initially much less enthusiastic. I enjoyed watching the characters develop and start to see life from a different perspective. Their relationship is handled well, and there is also some adventure.
Do ask if you want any more recommendations.
Happy Reading!
Frances
Please note that I have taken the idea of ‘superlatives’ from the excellent book blog Elle Thinks (https://ellethinks.wordpress.
(If you are interested in any of the books on this recommendations list, just give us an email and we’ll order them in for you!)