In 'The Confession' by Jessie Burton, secrets unravel and identities are questioned as the lives of Elise and Connie intersect in unexpected ways. Set against the backdrop of a stifling 1980s Hollywood, the novel delves into themes of betrayal, ambition, and the masks we wear to hide our true selves. Burton weaves a complex narrative that keeps readers hooked, exploring the power dynamics of relationships and the consequences of buried truths. With lush prose and intricate character development, 'The Confession' is a haunting tale that lingers in the mind long after the final page.
Jessie Burton is a renowned English author known for her captivating storytelling and richly woven narratives. Born in 1982, Burton studied at the University of Oxford and the Central School of Speech and Drama. Her debut novel, 'The Miniaturist' (2014), became an international bestseller and was adapted into a BBC television series. Burton's intricate prose and vivid characterization have garnered critical acclaim, establishing her as a prominent voice in contemporary fiction. She followed up her debut with 'The Muse' (2016), further showcasing her talent for blending historical detail with compelling storytelling. Burton continues to captivate readers with her immersive and atmospheric novels.
Roberto Bolaño's '2666' is a sprawling, enigmatic novel that traverses continents and genres, engulfing the reader in a labyrinthine narrative. Set primarily in the fictional Mexican town of Santa Teresa, the book intricately weaves together five distinct yet interconnected parts, each exploring themes of violence, obsession, and the quest for meaning. The novel's epic scope delves into the minds of literature critics, an elusive German author, a brutal crime wave, and a reclusive professor, all against the backdrop of the mysterious and incessant murders of women. Bolaño's masterful storytelling and evocative prose challenge conventional narrative structure, leaving a profound impact on readers as it delves deep into the human psyche and societal ills. '2666' is a testament to the power of literature to illuminate the darkest corners of human existence, a richly layered work that continually unfolds new insights with each reading.
by Hernán Diaz
Can one person change the course of history? A Wall Street tycoon takes a young woman as his wife. Together they rise to the top in an age of excess and speculation. But now a novelist is threatening to reveal the secrets behind their marriage, and this wealthy man’s story - of greed, love and betrayal - is about to slip from his grasp. Composed of four competing versions of this deliciously deceptive tale, Trust by Hernan Diaz brings us on a quest for truth while confronting the lies that often live buried in the human heart.
by Zadie Smith
Set in 19th-century London, The Fraud reimagines the Tichborne Trial—a real-life Victorian scandal—as a lens through which to examine truth, authorship, and identity. At the story’s center is Eliza Touchet, housekeeper and cousin to novelist William Ainsworth, who becomes entangled in the trial of a butcher claiming to be a long-lost aristocrat. Through Eliza’s sharp observations and moral grappling, Zadie Smith interrogates class, empire, race, and the shifting lines between fact and fiction. With her signature wit and depth, Smith crafts a historical novel that feels urgently modern, revealing the social and literary frauds that still echo today.
Set in the decadent summer of 1922, this masterpiece follows mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby's obsessive pursuit of his former love, Daisy Buchanan. Through the eyes of narrator Nick Carraway, the story unfolds in a world of lavish parties and empty morality, exploring themes of wealth, love, and the corruption of the American Dream. As Gatsby's facade crumbles, the novel reveals the hollow heart of the Jazz Age.