Today's Read Team Literary Highlights: A Selection of Books from August 2024
My Good Bright Wolf by Sarah Moss
In this memoir, Sarah Moss provides a candid exploration of her struggle with an eating disorder, which took root in her childhood and resurfaced during the pandemic. Known for her novels that frequently address themes of food and illness, Moss employs a unique second-person narrative style in ‘My Good Bright Wolf,’ enhancing its emotional impact.
The memoir reflects on her emotionally neglectful upbringing in Manchester and how literature served as a refuge during her trials. Through an often brutal self-critique, Moss illustrates the grueling mental struggle of anorexia, making this a powerful read that deepens our understanding of the disorder.
A Voyage Around the Queen by Craig Brown
Craig Brown’s ‘A Voyage Around the Queen’ presents a balanced and humorous biography of Queen Elizabeth II. Rather than simply recounting the Queen’s public persona, Brown interweaves key events and lesser-known anecdotes, such as her beloved corgis and profiles of figures like Jeanette Charles, who famously portrayed her on screen.
With a structure comprising 112 brief chapters, Brown offers an engaging look at the complexities of the monarchy, shedding light on the enigmatic nature of one of the world’s most recognized figures while sidestepping the extremes often found in royal biographies.
Prophet Song by Paul Lynch
Paul Lynch’s ‘Prophet Song’ is a gripping dystopian novel that earned the Booker Prize following its impactful narrative. Set against the backdrop of contemporary Ireland amid a civil war sparked by the rise of an extreme far-right party, the story follows Eilish Stack as she grapples with her husband Larry’s disappearance during an escalating political crisis.
Lynch’s writing is notable for its realism, reflecting the urgent and often terrifying consequences of authoritarianism, making ‘Prophet Song’ a poignant commentary on the fragility of freedom.
Politics on the Edge by Rory Stewart
In this memoir, Rory Stewart recounts his nine years in the UK Parliament, providing readers with a behind-the-scenes look at British politics. Offering vivid portraits of his colleagues, Stewart does not shy away from critique, particularly regarding figures like David Cameron and Boris Johnson.
‘Politics on the Edge’ is more than a personal narrative; it examines the systemic dysfunction within the political landscape, presenting a reflective yet critical perspective on the challenges faced by modern British leaders.
