1: Behind The Scenes At The Museum by Kate Atkinson 

 

A disillusioned, dry-witted book following Ruby Lennox and the lives of her family as the multi-generational tale covers war-time, migration, and awkward holidays that become huge familial implosions. This book is tragic, clever, and weaves a story through ‘footnotes’ that take you backwards and forwards in time. Sarcastic British humour in the face of tragedy is stark throughout this novel, and thoroughly worth beginning 2024 with. 

 

2: The Ocean At The End Of The Lane by Neil Gaiman

 

Adapted into a hit live theatre production, this book is short and sweet. A man recounts his lost childhood memories of an old playmate and her mysterious farmhouse, warm mother and cunning grandmother. The story toys with your sense of reality and pokes at grief in all its disguises- by the end, you almost feel as if you have woken from a memory you had yourself. This novel is a wonderful, ominous adventure and evokes a sense of nostalgia for something you never knew you were missing. It can be nice to reflect at the start of a new year. 

 

3: I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

 

Angelou’s 1969 autobiography is heartbreaking, poetic and raw. It is the most well-known of her series of autobiographies and details her childhood ravaged by traumatic experiences and her development of internal strength. Set across Arkansas and Missouri, Angelou’s striking prose and lyricism to her words takes you by the scruff of your neck and has you watching her every move, firmly in her grasp, as she describes a confused and poignant coming of age against the backdrop of racism in post-depression America. This is a moving book that will enrich your soul and is heavily recommended for your 2024 reading list.