Sethe is now miles away from Sweet Home, the farm where she was kept as a slave.Unable to forget the unspeakable horrors that took place there, she is haunted by the violent spectre of her dead child, the daughter who died nameless and whose tombstone is etched with a single word, Beloved . A tale of brutality, horror and, above all, love at any cost, Beloved is Toni Morrison s enduring masterpiece and best-known work. Dazzling. . . Magical. . . An extraordinary work New York Times Toni Morrison was a giant of her times and ours Beloved is a heartbreaking testimony to the ongoing ravages of slavery, and should be read by all Margaret Atwood An American masterpiece A. S. ByattWINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE**One of the BBC s 100 Novels That Shaped Our World**
OLD GOD'S TIME (MARCH 2023), SEBASTIAN BARRY'S STUNNING NEW NOVEL, AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOWWinner of the 2016 Costa Book of the YearWinner of the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction 2017Winner of the Independent Bookshop Week Book Award 2017Longlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2017'Pitch perfect, the outstanding novel of the Year.' ObserverAfter signing up for the US army in the 1850s, aged barely seventeen, Thomas McNulty and his brother-in-arms, John Cole, fight in the Indian Wars and the Civil War. Having both fled terrible hardships, their days are now vivid and filled with wonder, despite the horrors they both see and are complicit in. Then when a young Indian girl crosses their path, the possibility of lasting happiness seems within reach, if only they can survive.
**Winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction**'This is a novel to lose yourself in' The Times'Essential reading' Spectator'Extraordinarily magical' New York Times'The most important book I have read for forty years' Observer_________________Athos and I stood together on deck and looked across the water at the bright city. From this distance no one would guess the turmoil that had torn apart Greece The sea began to darken, and Athens, glowing in the distance, seemed to float on the horizon like a bright ship.Jakob Beer is seven years old when he is rescued from the ruins of a buried village in Nazi-occupied Poland. He is the only one of his family to have survived the invasion. Adopted by his saviour, the Greek geologist Athos, Jakob must steel himself to excavate the horrors of his own history. A novel of astounding beauty and wisdom, Fugitive Pieces is a profound meditation on the resilience of the human spirit and love's ability to restore even the most damaged of hearts.
THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 'WINNER OF WINNERS'A literary masterpiece'DAILY MAIL'An immense achievement'OBSERVER'A gorgeous, pitiless account of love, violence and betrayal' TIMEIn 1960s Nigeria, three lives intersect. Ugwu works as a houseboy for a university professor. Olanna has abandoned her life of privilege in Lagos to live with her charismatic lover, the lecturer. And Richard, a shy Englishman, is in thrall to Olanna's enigmatic twin sister. Amongst the horror of Nigeria's civil war, loyalties are tested as they are pulled apart and thrown together in ways none of them imagined.Winner of the Women's Prize for Fiction, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's masterpiece is a novel about race, class and the end of colonialism - and the ways in which love can complicate everything.'Vividly written, thrumming with life ... a remarkable novel' Joyce Carol Oates'Adichie entwines love and politics to a degree rarely achieved by novelists' Elle'Absolutely awesome. One of the best books I've ever read' Judy Finnigan
A BBC Top 100 Novels that Shaped Our WorldEffia and Esi: two sisters with two very different destinies. One sold into slavery; one a slave trader's wife. The consequences of their fate reverberate through the generations that follow. Taking us from the Gold Coast of Africa to the cotton-picking plantations of Mississippi; from the missionary schools of Ghana to the dive bars of Harlem, spanning three continents and seven generations, Yaa Gyasi has written a miraculous novel - the intimate, gripping story of a brilliantly vivid cast of characters and through their lives the very story of America itself.Epic in its canvas and intimate in its portraits, Homegoing is a searing and profound debut from a masterly new writer.'This incredible book travels from Ghana to the US revealing how slavery destroyed so many families, traditions and lives - and how its terrifying impact is still reverberating now. Gyasi has created a story of real power and insight' Stylist, the Decade's 15 Best Books by Remarkable WomenSelected for Granta's Best of Young American Novelists 2017Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for Best First BookShortlisted for the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize for Debut Fiction Shortlisted for the Beautiful Book Award 2017
Small Island by bestselling author Andrea Levy won the Orange Prize for Fiction and the Orange Prize 'Best of the Best' as well as the Commonwealth Writers' Prize and the Whitbread. Possibly the definitive fictional account of the experiences of the Empire Windrush generation, it was selected by the BBC as one of its '100 Novels That Shaped Our World'.'A great read... honest, skilful, thoughtful and important' GuardianIt is 1948, and England is recovering from a war. But at 21 Nevern Street, London, the conflict has only just begun.Queenie Bligh's neighbours don't approve when she agrees to take in Jamaican lodgers, but with her husband, Bernard, not back from the war, she has little choice in the matter.Gilbert Joseph was one of the many Jamaican men who joined the RAF to fight Hitler. But when he returns to England as a civilian he doesn't receive the welcome he was expecting, and it's desperation that drives him to knock at Queenie's door. Gilbert's wife Hortense, who for years has longer for a better life in England, soon joins him. But London is far from the golden city of her dreams, and even Gilbert is not the man she thought he was.Small Island explores a point in England's past when the country began to change. In this delicately wrought and profoundly moving novel, Andrea Levy handles the weighty themes of empire, prejudice, war and love, with a superb lightness of touch and generosity of spirit.'An engrossing read - slyly funny, passionately angry and wholly involving' Daily Mail'Gives us a new urgent take on our past' Vogue
'A modern classic.' Guardian'A near-perfect work of art.' Joyce Carol OatesI was supposed to be having the time of my life . . . Working as an intern for a New York fashion magazine in the summer of 1953, Esther Greenwood is on the brink of her future. Yet she is also on the edge of a darkness that makes her world increasingly unreal. Esther's vision of the world shimmers and shifts: day-to-day living in the sultry city, her crazed men-friends, the hot dinner dances . . . The Bell Jar, Sylvia Plath's only novel, is partially based on Plath's own life. It has been celebrated for its darkly funny and razor sharp portrait of 1950s society, and has sold millions of copies worldwide. ONE OF THE BBC'S '100 NOVELS THAT SHAPED OUR WORLD''As clear and readable as it is witty and disturbing.' New York Times Book ReviewReader responses:'Plath's underrated humour shines through this startling account of 1950s 'normality'.''Very readable, often darkly funny, and feels fresh.''Plath's masterpiece . . . It's amazing how relevant this book still is.''So enthralling . . . So thought provoking, so vivid, that it's thoroughly engrossing.''I just couldn't put it down.''Ever better than I expected.'
The book keeps all the promises that it makes.' The Booker Prize Citation, 14 October 1997 'A novel of real ambition must invent its own language, and this one does ' John Updike, The New Yorker 'A masterpiece, utterly exceptional in every way.' Harpers and Queen 'A banquet for all the senses we bring to reading.' Newsweek 'A sad story, told very hilariously, very tenderly and very craftily.' The Pioneer 'It is rare to find a book that so effectively cuts through the clothes of nationality, caste and religion to reveal the bare bones of humanity.' Daily Telegraph International No 1 bestseller Winner of the 1997 Booker Prize
One of the BBC's '100 Novels That Shaped Our World'A worldwide bestseller and the first part of Achebe's African Trilogy, Things Fall Apart is the compelling story of one man's battle to protect his community against the forces of changeOkonkwo is the greatest wrestler and warrior alive, and his fame spreads throughout West Africa like a bush-fire in the harmattan. But when he accidentally kills a clansman, things begin to fall apart. Then Okonkwo returns from exile to find missionaries and colonial governors have arrived in the village. With his world thrown radically off-balance he can only hurtle towards tragedy. First published in 1958, Chinua Achebe's stark, coolly ironic novel reshaped both African and world literature, and has sold over ten million copies in forty-five languages. This arresting parable of a proud but powerless man witnessing the ruin of his people begins Achebe's landmark trilogy of works chronicling the fate of one African community, continued in Arrow of God and No Longer at Ease.'His courage and generosity are made manifest in the work' Toni Morrison'The writer in whose company the prison walls fell down' Nelson Mandela'A great book, that bespeaks a great, brave, kind, human spirit' John UpdikeWith an Introduction by Biyi Bandele
An unforgettable portrait of London and one of the most talked about debuts of all time!'The almost preposterous talent was clear from the first pages' GuardianOn New Years Day 1975, the day of his almost-suicide, life said yes to Archie Jones. Not OK or 'You-might-as-well-carry-on-since-you've-started'. A resounding affirmative.Promptly seizing his second life by the horns, Archie meets and marries Clara Bowden, a Caribbean girl twenty-eight years his junior.Thus begins a tale of friendship, of love and war, of three culture and three families over three generations . . .*****'Street-smart and learned, sassy and philosophical all at the same time' New York Times'Outstanding' Sunday Telegraph'An astonishingly assured d but, funny and serious . . . I was delighted' Salman Rushdie
"e;The best, the original, the seminal"e; Mail on SundayBridget Jones's Diary turns 25 this year. Winner of the 1997 British Book of the Year, and named by the Guardian as one of the ten books which best defines the 20th Century, the book has gone on to become a multi-million copy selling international phenomenon, spawning three blockbuster movies, a whole new literary genre, a lexicon of 'smug marrieds', 'singletons', 'emotional f***wittage' and 'mummy pants', and the familiar cry of 'I am Bridget Jones'.This special bumper anniversary compendium also features an introduction and commentary from Helen Fielding, and over 100 pages of rare material taken from 25 years of her writing, including:* Extracts from Helen's early journalism* A selection of the original Independent newspaper columns.* Bridget Jones interviews Colin Firth* Later columns on #MeToo, Brexit, and Bridget's lockdown life* A selection of hilarious restaurant reviews featuring the real life inspirations for Jude, Shazzer, Auntie Una, Mum and Daniel Cleaver
After decades in print, Forever remains a brave, honest account of first love, first sex and first heartbreak. From Judy Blume, author of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.Katherine and Michael met at a party. The attraction was instant, and pretty soon they were seeing each other. This is love, and love is forever - right?When Katherine's parents make them spend the summer apart, forever begins to feel like an awfully long time . . .A book ahead of its time, Forever is a classic bestseller from an award-winning author.
One of the BBC's '100 Novels That Shaped Our World'Baldwin's ground-breaking second novel, which established him as one of the great American writers of his timeDavid, a young American in 1950s Paris, is waiting for his fianc e to return from vacation in Spain. But when he meets Giovanni, a handsome Italian barman, the two men are drawn into an intense affair. After three months David's fianc e returns and, denying his true nature, he rejects Giovanni for a 'safe' future as a married man. His decision eventually brings tragedy. Filled with passion, regret and longing, this story of a fated love triangle has become a landmark of gay writing. James Baldwin caused outrage as a black author writing about white homosexuals, yet for him the issues of race, sexuality and personal freedom were eternally intertwined.'Exquisite... a feat of fire-breathing, imaginative daring' Guardian'Excruciating beauty' San Francisco Chronicle 'Audacious... remarkable... elegant and courageous' Caryl Phillips
Since its immediate success in 1813, Pride and Prejudice has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language. Jane Austen called this brilliant work "e;her own darling child"e; and its vivacious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, "e;as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print."e; The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and her proud beau, Mr. Darcy, is a splendid performance of civilized sparring. And Jane Austen's radiant wit sparkles as her characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, making this book the most superb comedy of manners of Regency England. Among the writers who have approached nearest to the manner of the great master, we have no hesitation in placing Jane Austen. Thomas Macaulay Pride and Prejudice is the best novel in the language. Anthony TrollopeI used to think that men did everything better than women, but that was before I read Jane Austen. I don t think any man ever wrote better than Jane Austen. Rex StoutElizabeth Bennet has but to speak, and I am at her knees. Robert Louis StevensonRead again, and for the third time at least, Miss Austen s very finely written novel of Pride and Prejudice. That young lady has a talent for describing the involvements and feelings and characters of ordinary life which is to me the most wonderful I ever met with. Sir Walter Scott
A PBS Great American Read Top 100 PickA deeply soulful novel that comprehends love and cruelty, and separates the big people from the small of heart, without ever losing sympathy for those unfortunates who dont know how to live properly. Zadie SmithOne of the most important and enduring books of the twentieth century, Their Eyes Were Watching God brings to life a Southern love story with the wit and pathos found only in the writing of Zora Neale Hurston. Out of print for almost thirty yearsdue largely to initial audiences rejection of its strong black female protagonistHurstons classic has since its 1978 reissue become perhaps the most widely read and highly acclaimed novel in the canon of African-American literature.
One of the BBC's '100 Novels that Shaped the World' The Far Pavilions is the story of an English man - Ashton Pelham-Martyn - brought up as a Hindu. It is the story of his passionate, but dangerous love for Juli, an Indian princess. It is the story of divided loyalties, of friendship that endures till death, of high adventure and of the clash between East and West.To the burning plains and snow-capped mountains of this great, humming continent, M.M. Kaye brings her exceptional gifts of storytelling and meticulous historical accuracy, plus her insight into the human heart.'Magnificent' Evening Standard'A long, romantic adventure story of the highest calibre . . . wildly exciting' Daily Telegraph
THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER*One of the BBC's '100 Novels that Shaped the World'*"e;Every true love and friendship is a story of unexpected transformation. If we are the same person before and after we loved, that means we haven't loved enough . . ."e; Ella Rubinstein has a husband, three teenage children, and a pleasant home. Everything that should make her confident and fulfilled. Yet there is an emptiness at the heart of Ella's life - an emptiness once filled by love.So when Ella reads a manuscript about the thirteenth-century Sufi poet Rumi and Shams of Tabriz, and his forty rules of life and love, her world is turned upside down. She embarks on a journey to meet the mysterious author of this work.It is a quest infused with Sufi mysticism and verse, taking Ella and us into an exotic world where faith and love are heartbreakingly explored. . .'Enlightening, enthralling. An affecting paean to faith and love' Metro'Colourfully woven and beguilingly intelligent' Daily Telegraph'The past and present fit together beautifully in a passionate defence of passion itself' The Times
'A fantasy, a vivid dream...inventive and brilliant' GuardianHenri has a passion for Napoleon - but Napoleon has a passion for chicken. As soldier and emperor butcher their way across Europe, glory falls to ruin and love turns to hate. But, when Henri encounters the red-haired, web-footed Villanelle, he discovers in her an equal. Together they abandon their pasts, and flee to the Venetian canals to meet their singular destiny in the city of chance and disguises.'A deeply imagined and beautiful book, often arrestingly so.' New York Times
'All his novels are terrific, but this one is my favourite' Sarah WatersPatrick Hamilton's novels were the inspiration for Matthew Bourne's new dance theatre production, The Midnight Bell.Measuring out the wartime days in a small town on the Thames, Miss Roach is not unattractive but no longer quite young. The Rosamund Tea Rooms boarding house, where she lives with half a dozen others, is as grey and lonely as its residents. For Miss Roach, 'slave of her task-master, solitude', a shaft of not altogether welcome light is suddenly beamed upon her, with the appearance of a charismatic and emotional American Lieutenant. With him comes change - tipping the precariously balanced society of the house and presenting Miss Roach herself with a dilemma.
**Winner of the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award** A electrifying masterpiece Joseph O Connor The once-great city of Bohane on the west coast of Ireland is on its knees, infested by vice and split along tribal lines. There are still some posh parts of town, but it is in the slums and backstreets of Smoketown, the tower blocks of the Northside Rises and the eerie bogs of Big Nothin' that the city really lives. For years, Bohane has been in the cool grip of Logan Hartnett, the dapper godfather of the Hartnett Fancy gang. But there's trouble in the air. But now they say his old nemesis is back in town; his trusted henchmen are getting ambitious; and there's trouble in the air... **One of the BBC s 100 Novels That Shaped Our World**Shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award Winner of the Authors' Club Best First Novel Award
Eye of the Needle, Ken Follett's historical thriller, is a heart-racingly exciting tale about the fate of the war resting in the hands of a master spy, his opponent and one brave woman.Victory Hangs in the Balance1944. In the weeks leading up to D-Day the Allies are disguising their invasion plans with elaborate decoy ships and planes. If they can land a force on mainland Europe they will gain the upper hand in a war that has ravaged the world for years, and take the fight to the Nazi menace.A Cold-Blooded KillerHis weapon is the stiletto, his codename: The Needle. He is Hitler's prize undercover agent - a ruthless and professional murderer. In England he uncovers the Allies' D-Day plans but his cover is blown in the process.A Deadly ChaseLeaving a trail of bodies in his wake, The Needle ruthlessly races to a U-boat waiting to convey him and his critical message to Germany, with MI5 on his tail. But he hasn't planned for a storm-battered island and the remarkable young woman who lives there . . .
This special collection features all three titles in the award-winning trilogy: Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass. This collection also includes extracts from The Book of Dust series: La Belle Sauvage and The Secret Commonwealth.Now a major critically acclaimed BBC series.Set against the dreaming spires of Jordan College in an alternate Oxford and the dangerous wilderness of the frozen north, Philip Pullman s His Dark Materials trilogy offers an intoxicating blend of imagination, science, theology and adventure.Northern LightsLyra Belacqua lives half-wild and carefree among the scholars of Jordan College, with her daemon familiar, Pantalaimon, always by her side. But the arrival of her fearsome uncle, Lord Asriel, draws her to the heart of a terrible struggle a struggle born of Gobblers and stolen children, witch clans and armoured bears.The Subtle KnifeLyra finds herself in a shimmering, haunted otherworld Citt gazze, where soul-eating Spectres stalk the streets and wingbeats of distant angels sound against the sky. But she is not without allies: twelve-year-old Will Parry, fleeing for his life after taking another's, has also stumbled into this strange new realm.On a perilous journey from world to world, Lyra and Will uncover a deadly secret: an object of extraordinary and devastating power. And with every step, they move closer to an even greater threat and the shattering truth of their own destiny.The Amber SpyglassWill and Lyra, whose fates are bound together by powers beyond their own worlds, have been violently separated. But they must find each other, for ahead of them lies the greatest war that has ever been and a journey to a dark place from which no one has ever returned . . .
Ivanhoe is the story of one of the remaining Saxon noble families at a time when the English nobility was overwhelmingly Norman. It follows the Saxon protagonist, Wilfrid of Ivanhoe, who is out of favour with his father owing to his courting the Lady Rowena and for his allegiance to the Norman king Richard I of England. The story is set in 1194, after the end of the Third Crusade, when many of the Crusaders were still returning to Europe. King Richard, having been captured by the Duke of Saxony, on his way back, was still supposed to be in the arms of his captors. The legendary Robin Hood, initially under the name of Locksley, is also a character in the story, as are his 'merry men,' including Friar Tuck and, less so, Alan-a-Dale. (Little John is merely mentioned.) The character that Scott gave to Robin Hood in Ivanhoe helped shape the modern notion of this figure as a cheery noble outlaw.Other major characters include Ivanhoe's intractable Saxon father Cedric, a descendant of the Saxon King Harold Godwinson; various Knights Templar and churchmen; the loyal serfs Gurth the swineherd and the jester Wamba, whose observations punctuate much of the action; and the Jewish moneylender, Isaac of York, equally passionate of money and his daughter, Rebecca. The book was written and published during a period of increasing struggle for Emancipation of the Jews in England, and there are frequent references to injustice against them.
