Summer is here and it’s time to grab your favourite book, head to your backyard and let your imagination soar. But with so many options, choosing your next summer read can be a daunting task. Fear not, La Feltrinelli, the famous Italian publisher, has got you covered. In this blog, we will suggest 10 books that you should read this summer from their latest offerings, spanning different genres and themes that are guaranteed to keep you engrossed for hour
- “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett: This is a powerful family saga about twin sisters who run away from their hometown in Louisiana for different reasons. One chooses to pass as white and lives the American Dream, while the other is left behind, forever haunted by her past. The novel tackles issues of race, class, and identity head-on, making it a must-read for the summer. You can buy it at La Feltrinelli.
- “Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell: This historical fiction novel is the story of Shakespeare’s son Hamnet, who died at age 11, and the impact of his death on the playwright’s life and work. The novel beautifully captures the fragility of life and the strength of family bonds that remain intact even after death.
- “The Lying Life of Adults” by Elena Ferrante: Ferrante’s much-awaited novel is finally here, and it does not disappoint. Set in Naples, this coming-of-age story follows the journey of a teenage girl, Giovanna, as she navigates the lies and truths of adulthood, family dynamics, and relationships. You will not be able to put it down.
- “The Mirror and the Light” by Hilary Mantel: This is the last installment in the acclaimed Wolf Hall trilogy that follows the life of Thomas Cromwell, advisor to King Henry VIII. It is a masterful work that combines politics, history, and human emotions, making it a fantastic summer read.
- “The Testaments” by Margaret Atwood: If you haven’t read this yet, now is the perfect time. The book is set in the same dystopian world as “The Handmaid’s Tale” and picks up the story of three women, 15 years after Offred’s ambiguous fate. Atwood’s writing is as brilliant as always, and the plot is gripping from start to finish.
- “The Memory Police” by Yoko Ogawa: This is a haunting and poetic dystopian novel that explores the power of memories and how they shape our reality. In an unnamed island, objects and creatures disappear from people’s minds and the world, and the Memory Police are tasked with making sure that nobody remembers them. The novel is a metaphorical reflection on authoritarian regimes and the importance of retaining our humanity and freedom. Read it online at La Feltrinelli.
- “Supper Club” by Lara Williams: This is a witty, feminist novel that celebrates the power of female friendship and the joy of indulging in sensual pleasures. The novel follows the story of a secret supper club of women who gather to cook, eat, and reclaim their bodies and desires from the judgmental eyes of society.
- “Ghosts” by Dolly Alderton: Alderton’s debut novel is a hilarious, relatable, and heartwarming story of navigating relationships in the digital age. The novel follows the character of Nina, a successful 32-year old woman who struggles to find love and meaning in her life, until she meets a ghost from her past.
- “Dominicana” by Angie Cruz: This is a poignant, immigrant story about a young girl, Ana, who is forced into marriage with an older man and sent to America to achieve the immigrant dream. The novel explores issues of patriarchy, diaspora, and identity with empathy and grace, making it a timely and important read.
- “Interior Chinatown” by Charles Yu: This is an innovative, genre-bending novel that combines elements of comedy, drama, and film noir to tell the story of Willis Wu, a struggling actor in Hollywood who is confined to playing the “Generic Asian Man” stereotype. The novel is a clever critique of the entertainment industry and the larger questions of representation and identity in American culture.
La Feltrinelli has a reputation for publishing high-quality and diverse literature that pushes boundaries and resonates with readers. By reading one or more of the books on this list, you are guaranteed to experience a summer of vivid imaginings, empathic insights, and contemplative moments. Happy reading!