THE BEST OF 2017
(By clicking on the titles of the books you will get to the page with my full review of them)
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng - I think that, alongside with Americanah, this is my book of the year (plus add The Return and The Hours. Yes, I am not able to choose only one or two titles, as I just realized). A psychological novel about a mixed race marriage, unfulfilled wishes, parents' hopes and one family tragedy that changes everything. This book made me fall in love with Celeste Ng's writing style and her work!
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - One of the longest books I read this year, and also one of the most powerful I have come across. Adichie takes on the question of race, social classes and, in general, relationships among all living souls on this planet.
House of Names by Colm Tóibín - The Greek mythology comes back to life through this retelling of the story of Electra and her brother Orestes. I still prefer Tóibín's Brooklyn, but this is definitely worth of your attention.
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara - More than 600 pages, and yet, the plot has the power to get you through every single chapter till the end. With its unusual themes, brutality and yet gentleness, this story will tear you apart just to put you back together in the end (maybe, hopefully).
The Return by Hisham Matar - Well, after celebrating this book here so many times, I decided that it might be good to write my dissertation on it. That's how good it is! Reading this story, you will learn more about Libya's political regime and recent history, as well as about author's search for his disappeared father.
On Beauty by Zadie Smith - I dare to say that compare to the above mentioned novels, Smith's story is slightly lighter as it depicts everyday life of an average family. But because it is Smith, it will not be as easy as you might think after reading the first couple of chapters. If you have had difficulties reading Smith's work, try this one. I finished the book within three days.
The Hours by Michael Cunningham - I am repeating myself right now, but if you have ever struggled with Virginia Woolf's Mrs Dalloway, try Cunningham's modern version of the story. While I was meant to be studying French grammar in Brussels, I was galloping through this book with one of the most beautiful use of language I have come across for a while.
The Outrun by Amy Liptrot - I read this book last month and I remember my struggle as well as surprise. Struggle because the theme of alcoholism is not an easy theme to follow, surprise on how much I loved the book after all.
The books I loved slightly less than the one mentioned above, yet which I would be able to read again...
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
Uncommon Type by Tom Hanks
Winter by Ali Smith
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
