Lucy V. Hay's Blog

BEST OF 3: Books About Society & Human Behaviour

1) The Women by Kristin Hannah

In my opinion her best novel. This one is all about the women who served in the Vietnam war. War has always been all about men, and these feminist insights into it are rare. Hannah has a uniquely addictive prose style and the audio narration of her books is superb. I found this entertaining, gripping and educational in equal measure.

2) Earth Abides by George R Stewart

This one got me into dystopian fiction and I recommend it to everyone. The premise is society having to start again after the world has been wiped out. What is human nature when stripped down to survival mode? This one stuck with me because it makes me appreciate everything I have, everything society has built that I take for granted. Stunning writing. Page-turner. (And the Sci-fi Masterworks series looks great on a bookshelf).

3) Hard Work by Polly Toynbee

She puts her money where her mouth is. This is an account of Polly Toynbee’s decision to try to live and work on the minimum wage. For those of us who haven’t known real poverty, this is a shocking and sobering insight into what it’s really like when you can’t get a job without an address, and can’t get an address without a job. Eye-opening, unforgettable.

BIO: Lucy Martin is a feminist, optimist, non-conformist (that’s my strapline on X anyway).  Author of detective thrillers starring DS Ronnie Delmar, escapee from London, now running all-inclusive monthly writers’ retreats from my home in Devon. More details HERE. Follow her on Facebook, HERE and on IG as@lucy_martin_books

BEST OF 3: Twists I Didn’t See Coming

1) The Mercy Chair by M W Craven

The sixth in the Washington Poe series of thrillers, with his side-kick Tilly Bradshaw (best character ever written IMO); the darkest yet and with a stunning twist that had me completely fooled.

2)  I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh

Beautifully written example of domestic noir with a twist so unexpected that it still takes my breath away long after I’ve read the book and other details have faded away.

3) The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

Having been brought up on film and TV adaptations, I have only recently started reading Christie’s novels. This is thought by many to be her best, and the twist certainly makes it one of the greats.

 

BIO: Elizabeth Ducie gave up a life of international consultancy to ‘tell lies for a living’. She writes cosy crime set in an English village and thrillers set around the world; plus business books for authors.  Books available in paperback and as ebooks; free to download via KU.

BEST OF 3: Books That Live Up To Their Openings

1) Running Blind by Desmond Bagley

One of my favourite openings ever, setting up a mystery, an action adventure and a death all in one succinct sentence. Bagley was the best at what he did – exotic thrillers from the 60s, 70s and 80s – and this is one of his finest. If you don’t know his books, seek them out: you’ll thank me for it.

2) Call for the Dead by John le Carré

The book that introduces the ultimate anti-spy George Smiley was first published in 1961. Its opening chapter is seven pages long and entitled ‘A Brief History of George Smiley’. You expect it to be dry but it’s utterly mesmerising from the off, and the rest of the slim volume is a master class in erudite brevity. To borrow from another espionage franchise, nobody does it better.

3)  The West Wing Script Book by Aaron Sorkin

OK, so I’m cheating here by including what is still one of the greatest TV shows ever made, but there genuinely is a book of teleplays by the master of dialogue, and the pre-titles teaser from episode one is among the most sublime introductions to a cast of characters that you’ll ever read. What comes afterwards is pretty good too…

BIO: Michael Davies is a writer of stuff, including thrillers Outback and Thin Ice. Also, the playwright of award-winning plays The Seagull Has Landed and Rasputin’s Mother, and the book and lyrics for Tess – The Musical. Watch out for a new HarperCollins series, Murder They Read, in 2026. Follow him on Facebook as Michael Davies – Author and instagram as @michaeldaviesauthor

5 Book Genres for People Who Don’t Usually Read (But Want to Start)

Not Keen On Reading? No Problem …

Although this is a blog on all things books, we understand that not everyone is a natural bookworm. For some, a night fuelled with TV is better than any book you can read, but for others, they’ve always dreamed of giving reading a try.

Many people around the world want to get into reading, but they haven’t found the right book that piques their interest. This may be down to the fact that they feel scarred by dull, repetitive school novels that were made into a chore – or perhaps they just can’t get through to the end and struggle with concentration.

Whatever the reasons are, you are never too late to transform yourself into a total book nerd. The best part about it all is that you don’t need to be a literary critic or own a deeply personal Kindle bookshelf to become a reader. You just need to pick a genre that draws you back for more.

We’ve rustled up five book genres that are perfect for people who don’t usually read but want to. From fast-paced fun to emotional rewards – keep reading for the ultimate list for beginners!

1) Thriller

It’s just like watching a Netflix series but in book form! If you’re someone who loves to get lost in a good old crime documentary or murder mystery, then crime fiction novels are calling your name. These types of books are created to draw you in from the very first page, so you have no worries about the first page flop. There are absolutely no slow literary intros here, just cliffhangers and action that make these reads impossible to put down.

My top three in this genre?

The Girl on the Train by Paula HawkinsGood Bad Girl by Alice FeeneyThe Family Across The Street by Nicole Trope

2) Casino Crime

Hands up if you’re a Bond fanatic or movie lover.

If this is you, then casino crime novels are created just for you! Now I’m not saying that you need to understand the poker lingo back to front, or be donning a three-piece suit just to start – but having an interest certainly may help.

The stories on the market are slick and usually involve cons, heists, or clever twists that keep you flicking the pages. It’s like Ocean’s Eleven in book form, only better.

The stakes in these novels are always sky-high. Why? Because you’re watching the cards, you’re watching people double-cross each other, and you’re spotting geniuses faking their way to fortunes. With internal monologues and an overview of the whole picture, you can read through an entire blackjack game with more intensity than the real deal.

But if you want to get a feel for the high-tension games these protagonists are living in and try your own luck at the table? Then why not mix your reading time with live entertainment and hop online for a blackjack game ? You can lap up the thrill of risking it all, the psychology of a bluff and the real-world feelings that these players live through.

If you play a round of blackjack before you start reading, you may just go into the whole experience feeling even more immersed than before.

My top three in this genre?

As obvious as it may sound – because it is! – Casino Royale by Ian FlemingThe House Always Wins by Brian RouffSin City by Frank Miller

Alternatively, check out these 3 true life gambling stories.

3) Romantic Comedy

For anyone after feel-good reads.

If you’ve ever sat in on a Friday night and watched Bridget Jones, Love Actually, or The Holiday (we know, undisputed classics), then you already get this genre. Romantic comedies are the perfect entry point for people who want something light and emotionally satisfying – so they are great for people who are new to reading.

My top three in this genre?

The Hating Game by Sally ThorneThe Spanish Love Deception by Elena ArmasBeach Read by Emily Henry4) Horror-Lite

A little spooky, but not full-on gore!

If you’re not quite ready for Stephen King and his pretty traumatic reads, don’t worry; there’s a lighter genre available. These books offer ghost stories, haunted houses, and eerie vibes without the gorey, graphic stuff that can put you off.

If you like Stranger Things but hate The Exorcist, then this is for you.

My top three in this genre?

The Family Upstairs by Lisa JewellHome Before Dark by Riley SagerThe Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

5) Short Story Collections

Sometimes long books are intimidating, especially for those that balance work and real-life dramas. Short stories are the perfect solution for busy individuals as you get the complete satisfaction of finishing a read, minus the commitment of 400 pages.

Plus, you can dip in and out between commutes, coffee breaks, or even fit in half an hour before catching some Zzzs.

My top three in this genre?

Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa LahiriHer Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria MachadoThe Secret Pilgrim by John le Carré

These books are quick and can be completed in record time, making them perfect for those who feel intimidated by the longer reads. With these, you can really have your cake and eat it too!

Remember That Reading Doesn’t Have to Feel Like Homework!

The ticket to becoming a great reader is to not force yourself. There’s no such thing as a bad reader, only the wrong book.

And don’t forget … If you want to recommend YOUR top 3 book picks on this blog, check out BEST OF 3.

Enjoy!

BEST OF 3: Books That Make You Like History

1) The Accursed Kings by Maurice Druon

You think Game of Thrones was based on the Hollow Crown? Think again. A century before the English War of the Roses, the last French Capetian dynasty revelled in adultery, treachery, revenge and blood.

In 1314, as fire consumed him at the stake, Jacques de Molay, last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, condemned by the will of King Philippe IV, screamed his final curse: that within the year, the king would face the Tribunal of Heaven – and that his dynasty would wither and die.

The story spans across 7 gripping books, written in 20 years, by a member of the Académie française. Only Shakespeare did better with his 8 plays from Richard II to Richard III.

2) Centennial by James A. Michener

This book was written on commission for the bicentenary of the United States of America, and the 1st centenary of the state of Colorado. The funny part is that it starts … with the creation of Earth!

Then it casts dinosaurs as “inhabitants” around 130 million years ago, before going to the local native Americans. After that waves after waves of newcomers – some settlers, most invaders.

This is about lives of people being in history, making history until the 1970s. An epic story? Yes. But it also conveys its subtext about the dark sides of the human journey.

3)  Six Tudor Queens by Alison Weir

When you study Henry VIII’s reign, you learn a fateful acronym: DBDDBS (Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived). It certainly should not be the only thing remembered about the six wives of that psychopathic king who inspired Perrault’s tale Bluebeard.

This series goes through the detailed lives of each of Henry’s wives, from their young ages to the very last seconds of their lives. (Literally – not for the faint-hearted!). But it means you can never forget their names: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn,  Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, Catherine Parr. RIP.

Enjoy!

BIO: EJ Langlois is a French-born author and screenwriter who weaves together contemporary women’s fiction, urban fantasy, dystopias, and a love of pop culture. Over the years, she has somewhat stubbornly cultivated her Anglophilia, well beyond practising Shakespeare’s language. The combined effects of Brexit, the writing of her movie saga “Three.1” and the 2020 pandemic made her decideto leave Paris, France and move to London, UK. Connect with her on Linkedin, HERE or follow her on instagram, HERE.

BEST OF 3: Nuanced Books About the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Conflicts And Context

As a Jewish Israeli expat, something I found very frustrating is the black-and-white media coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, both inside and outside of Israel/Palestine. At some point during the last violent cycle, even the word context would send people into a spiral of social media rage.

While nothing justifies the violence that has been raging in my homeland since October 7th (and really for almost a century now), black-and-white, good vs evil thinking is counterproductive to most conflicts. This particular conflict over a piece of land that has been contested for millennia encompasses complex layers of religious, political, and international interests. That said, it is very difficult for our human brains to hold two things that are true at the same time.

So, when Lucy kindly offered me a chance to write a Best of 3 post, I knew immediately what books I wanted to recommend. The three books below do not treat the conflict as black and white but explore the nuances of identity that layer the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

1) The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan

A true story told like a novel. Tolan brings the true story of Bashir, a Palestinian man, and Dalia, an Israeli woman, and their long, unlikely friendship. Bashir came to visit his abandoned home in Lydda after finding himself under Israeli occupation in 1967, and found Dalia living there.

In addition to providing historical context for the conflict, the book brings compelling storytelling. On a personal note, the core premise of my book already existed when I found this book, but The Lemon Tree propelled me forward in confirming that my story could have happened.

2) Salt Houses by Hala Aylan

The beautifully written story of a Palestinian family driven first from their home in Jaffa to Nablus, and then from Nablus to the diaspora: Kuwait, Lebanon, Europe and America.

Aylan weaves a story of searching for identity without concrete roots: when your family is scattered across the globe, where do you really belong? As a third-generation descendant of Holocaust survivors, her words resonated with me deeply.

3) All the Rivers by Dorit Rabinian

The English translation from the Hebrew “Gader Haya”, a living fence. The story is about Liat, an Israeli translator and Hilmi, a Palestinian painter. They meet in New York and embark on an affair they both know to be temporary and complicated.

I read this book in Hebrew several times, and it’s possible that Ali, my Palestinian artist character in my novel When The Walls Come Down, was somewhat inspired by Hilmi.

Have you read any of these books? Share in the comments!

BIO: Gal Podjarny was born and raised in Israel/Palestine and has made homes in Canada and the UK. She draws from these diverse cultural landscapes to examine how social forces shape personal narratives and relationships. Her writing, including the short story collection Human Fragments and contributions to various anthologies, captures these intersections of identity and community. From her home in London, she continues this exploration through her blog at galpod.com and her work with the Disrupt Foundation. Until the Walls Come Down is her first novel.

BEST OF 3: Great Books In Different Genres

Best of 3 Book Picks

Many thanks to author Miss Wolfe for her picks today! Make sure you check out her own books via her bio at the bottom of this post. If you are a book blogger, reader or author and want to share your own ‘Best of 3’ picks, CLICK HERE.

Young Adult Choice Jack, An Ordinary Dog In The Doghouse by Susan Tarr

This unique and charming story is narrated by Jack, a lovable little rascal spending time at Aunty and Uncle’s countryside kennels while his owners are away. From the moment he arrives, Jack makes his presence known, leaving paw prints not just on the furniture, but on the hearts of the humans and fellow four-legged residents alike.

Jack documents his daily adventures in a diary, capturing the comings and goings of the busy kennel and cattery with wit, attitude, and a keen nose for drama. Whether he’s stirring up trouble with the camel hair carpet, forging unlikely friendships with Lady Cat and Zawadi, or getting into mischief involving burned possums and chewed-up rats, Jack ensures he’s always at the centre of attention — and never short to pass the blame around, usually to the cat.

But this story isn’t just about laughs (though there are plenty of those) there’s tenderness too, especially when Jack and his friends face the heartbreaking loss of one of their own. I found myself laughing out loud in one moment and close to shedding tears the next. Jack isn’t a well dog and begins to lose his sight due to diabetes but his spirited outlook on life never falters. His voice is full of personality, mischief, and warmth, making this a truly special read.

Crime Thriller Choice The Rosary Girls by Richard Montanari

The Rosary Girls begins with a chilling discovery: a young girl found murdered, her hands bolted together, gruesomely mutilated, and rosary beads threaded between her fingers. Veteran homicide detective Kevin Byrne and his new partner, Jessica Balzano, are assigned to the case.

As Easter approaches, more victims (Catholic schoolgirls) begin turning up in the same horrifying condition. With no solid leads and a ruthless killer striking daily, Byrne and Balzano are thrust into a frantic race to stop one of Philadelphia’s most twisted serial murderers.

From the opening chapter, I was completely gripped. Richard Montanari is a master of the genre. The story twists and turns with precision, keeping the suspense high and the tension taut throughout. The setting is dark, atmospheric, and gritty. Another refreshing touch is that the detectives work within a competent team, no bumbling superiors trying to claim credit, no one-dimensional bureaucracy. The focus stays on the killer’s terrifying acts and the detective’s tireless pursuit.

Horror Choice Carrie by Stephen King.

For my horror pick, it has to be Carrie. It’s been a very, very long time but I still remember the feeling this book gave me. I was just eleven when I first read this novel, and it felt like I’d discovered my love of books and horror in that single moment.

The story of a girl tormented by her classmates, and emotionally and physically abused by her fanatically religious mother. Carrie discovers she has a rare gift, one where she can move objects with her mind. She leans to control her telekinesis.

Carrie may seem like a simple story: a lonely girl with no friends, who doesn’t understand her own body, suddenly gets her first period and is mocked mercilessly by her peers in one of the most infamous scenes in horror scenes slowly draws the reader into the full horror of what Carrie White is and what she endures. When Carrie finally unleashes her wrath, it feels justified. And that’s what King does best, he makes you connect with his characters.

BIO: Miss Wolfe is a dark fiction writer who crafts chilling tales. Her stories blur the line between fear and fascination, captivating readers who love the macabre. Follow her on Facebook, HERE, TwiX HERE and instagram, HERE.

Have you read any of these novels? Share in the comments!

Dystopian Worlds That Rival Our Own: My Top 5 Book Picks on Shepherd.com

The World Is A Binfire

So, the world right now is a binfire … climate change, culture wars, nightmare politicians. What more could we NOT want??

Well, I’ve always been drawn to stories that grab hold of true-life dystopian nightmares and shake it up EVEN MORE! I love thrillers and real-life social commentary, too. That’s why I wrote my own dystopian novel, The Coven (as Lizzie Fry).

It’s also why I made 5 similar dystopian picks for Shepherd.com!

Starting with the awesome and apocalyptic The End of The World Running Club by Adrian Walker, I picked another 4 that shook me, challenged me and lingered long after reading the last page.

Each of these books reflects a twisted mirror of our own world. None of them are mere science fiction! Instead they are plausible futures rooted in the choices we make today.

From ecological collapse and surveillance states to fractured societies and psychological control, these stories don’t just predict doom; they invite us to reckon with it.

Whether you’re a long-time lover of dystopian fiction or just waking up to its relevance, my hope is that this list offers you compelling, provocative reads that stick with you.

These aren’t comfortable books and they’re not meant to be. But in their bleakness, they offer a strange kind of hope: that we STILL have time to change course. (Fingers crossed, ack!).

You can explore the full list here: Dystopian Worlds That Rival Our Own – L.V. Hay’s Picks on Shepherd.

Enjoy!

Top 10 Books and Movies Featuring the Coolest Sunglasses on Planet Earth

Sunglasses In Books & Movies

Clothing is often one of the first clues we use to gauge a person’s personality. Research supports this, with psychological studies highlighting how dress influences our perceptions through a socioperceptual “lens.”

This lens, shaped by cultural knowledge, stereotypes, and beliefs, allows us to gauge social categories such as age, gender, and profession; status, including wealth and social rank; cognitive states, like emotions and mental focus; and aesthetics, reflecting personal style.

Given this, it’s no surprise that many writers incorporate fashion into their storytelling, using it as a vital tool for world-building and character development — even down to the smallest accessories.

Among these, sunglasses stand out as a particularly powerful symbol, often hinting subtly at a character’s social standing or emotional state. Below, we’ll dive into how they’ve been used to shape audience perceptions in 10 notable books and their film adaptations.

Fashion As A Narrative Device (Yes, really!)

Fashion is a tool in literature that often helps readers visualise scenes through descriptive words. Miranda in The Devil Wears Prada can push her sunglasses further up her nose, “as if she could avoid seeing [Andy] if she tried hard enough,” emphasising her power and emotional distance. Meanwhile, Patrick Bateman in American Psycho can adjust his Rolex and admire his “suit tailored in London and [a] pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses,” illustrating the superficiality that defines his character.

Even the specific styles of shades can symbolise different meanings! Various models of sunglasses have been spotted on book and movie characters. Aviator models, such as the Ray-Ban RB 3457 and Armani Exchange AX 4104S, can convey a sense of control, such as when worn by Jack Reacher in the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child or James Bond in Casino Royale by Ian Fleming.

Meanwhile, characters such as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote and Jasmine in Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan can use cat-eyed shades, like the Gucci GG 0631S or Burberry BE 4423, to emulate femininity.

So the next time you spot a character wearing sunglasses, take a moment to pause and ask, “What kind of frames are those?” or “Why would the writer choose that specific model or action?” as these may be a crucial hint to the character’s identity and role in the plot.

Below, we take a closer look at the use of sunglasses in books and their film adaptations, and what these accessories can tell us about the characters and the worlds they live in.

Books and movies featuring sunglasses1) The Great Gatsby (1925)

In the 2013 film adaptation of this classic novel, mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby dons warm round sunglasses as he navigates 1920s high society. This prevents other characters from seeing his eyes, smartly conveying his emotional distance while emphasising his larger-than-life image. This stylistic choice plays into the themes of illusion, mystery, and the contrast between appearance and reality.

2) Scarface (1930)

Scarface by Armitage Trail tells the story of Cuban immigrant Tony Montana who rises to power in Miami’s drug trade. Montana’s signature aviator sunglasses in the 1983 film are a bold statement of his newfound wealth and authority.

Equally memorable are love interest Elvira Hancock’s cat eye sunnies, which recently gained attention for their humble origins — a $3 (£2.39) drugstore purchase!

These accessories reflect her glamorous yet detached demeanour, which allows her to fearlessly stand up to par with the main character.

3) To Catch a Thief (1952)

To Catch a Thief by David Dodge follows retired jewel thief John Robie and wealthy American heiress Frances Stevens. In the 1955 film adaptation, Grace Kelly, as Frances, famously donned a pair of cat-eye sunglasses that continue to stay iconic today.

In fact, luxury brand Grace de Monaco released the “Drama” sunglasses collection in 2024. These shades were inspired by Kelly’s roles, including To Catch a Thief, proving the lasting influence of her sunglasses on fashion.

4) Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1958)

Truman Capote’s novella introduces readers to New York socialite Holly Golightly. Its film adaptation elevated the character’s sunglasses to iconic status, with Audrey Hepburn’s wardrobe consistently incorporating oversized Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses, whether paired with a trenchcoat or a little black dress. The shades not only enhanced Holly’s enigmatic allure but also symbolised her attempt to shield herself from the world.

5) Less Than Zero (1985)

Less Than Zero follows a group of wealthy, disaffected Los Angeles teenagers who are consumed by excess, materialism, and emotional detachment. Sunglasses are used to reflect the characters’ desires to hide their true emotions and numb their inner turmoil — whether it’s Julian’s drug addiction or Blanchard’s emptiness of wealth. The sunglasses are also part of the 1980s glam culture that the characters embrace, serving as a visual marker of their social status and superficiality.

6) Lost Moon (1994)

Lost Moon chronicles the true story of Apollo 13, NASA’s ill-fated lunar mission. The nonfiction book took a deeper look at the technical challenges and emotional resilience of the astronauts, with its film adaptation dramatising events for wider distribution. In the latter, Tom Hanks portrays Jim Lovell, often seen wearing aviator sunglasses to ground the character in the era’s aesthetic and reinforce his status as a competent, unflappable leader.

7) Fight Club (1996)

Fight Club follows an unnamed narrator who becomes entangled in an underground fight club led by the enigmatic Tyler Durden. Exploring themes of identity, consumerism, and rebellion, the book inspired film-Tyler’s red-drenched attire, from his key jacket to his tinted Oliver Peoples 523 sunglasses. These were specifically chosen by costume designer Michael Kaplan to symbolise blood and violence and hint at Tyler’s anarchistic philosophy.

8) Crazy Rich Asians (2013)

Romantic comedy-drama Crazy Rich Asians, based on the book of the same title, follows Rachel Chu as she discovers her boyfriend’s ultra-wealthy background. While obviously symbols of wealth, sunglasses helped hint subtly at characters’ differing personalities and cognitive states.

Astrid Leong’s sunglasses, for instance, epitomise her grace and beauty but mask her internal struggles, particularly the strain in her marriage. In comparison, Eddie’s tinted glasses are part of his overall flashy, attention-grabbing style.

9) The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (2017)

This bestselling novel details the life of enigmatic Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo in her seven marriages and affairs. Sunglasses are a symbol of her carefully constructed public image, offering her both protection from the invasive media and a means of maintaining mystery even during the most mundane activities, ​​such as having a picnic with actress Celia and quarterback John. It also signifies the dichotomy between Evelyn’s public persona and her private, often troubled, life.

10) Daisy Jones & The Six (2019)

This novel chronicles the rise and fall of a fictional 1970s rock band. Main characters Daisy and Billy are consistently portrayed sporting oversized, vintage-inspired sunglasses, symbolising their free-spirited, bohemian lifestyle.

The shades capture the essence of the era and enhance both characters’ images as rebellious, charismatic artists.

Last Points

Whether symbolising power, mystery, or detachment, these shades help shape our perceptions of characters and their worlds. From the pages of a book to the silver screen, it’s clear that sunglasses continue to captivate audiences, adding layers of depth and style to storytelling.

BEST OF 3: Great Books By Authors With Nigerian Heritage

Great Female Leads

Below are books by debut novelists Braithwaite and Adegoke and the highly acclaimed Ngozi Adichie. Coincidentally, these authors all have Nigerian heritage, perhaps unsurprising given that Nigeria has nearly 3% of the world’s population.

What links these books is not the writers’ ethnicity but the complex female characterisation.

To understand why it is so important to have complex female characterisation, read the transcript of Ngozi Adichie’s TED talk, We Should All Be Feminists, HERE.

You can also grab a free ebook,  How NOT To Write Female Characters, to help writers be like Ngozi Adichie, Braithwaite and Adegoke. Download your copy HERE.

1) Half of a Yellow Sun By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This 2006 novel is set during the Nigerian Civil War of 1967 to 1970. Adapted into a 2013 film of the same name, the novel deals with love and war. It won the Woman’s Prize for Fiction as the best book over the last twenty-five years of the Prize.

The book shows the devastating effects of colonialism, war, and forced migration on people’s lives.

It shows the changing role of women and how they are the true heroes during wartime.

2) My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

This 2018 debut novel by British-Nigerian writer Braithwaite is laugh-out-loud funny.

The humour is impressive, given the book is about a serial killer.

With male victims, it upends the trope of female dead bodies in crime fiction. Braithwaite said she was inspired by the black widow spider, which eats the male after mating with it.

Set in Lagos, the book has a strong sense of place with the tropical rain and traffic jams. It is also relevant to now with a social media influencer character. The plot zips along for a fun, fast read.

3) The List by Yomi Adegoke

Adegoke’s 2023 debut novel is thought-provoking about race, feminism, class and social media. She writes about an influencer couple living in London whose lives are changed when one of them is anonymously accused of sexual assault.

It considers the ethics of the cancellation culture and the impact of the #MeToo movement. Adegoke balances how we need to believe victims while highlighting how anonymous allegations can destroy lives.

Enjoy these great books!

BIO: Eimear Kilcullen loves stories of all kinds, whether written or visual. Based in Dublin,  she is working on a horror short story anthology, a trio of short stories and a YA book from the same dystopian world. Connect with her on Linkedin, HERE.