What to read this summer by Mark Haddon, Samantha Harvey, Zadie Smith and more
Summer Reading Suggestions from Esteemed Authors
Exploring Africa’s Literary Legacy
What to read this summer by Mark - Margaret Busby’s Part of the Story: Writings from Half a Century is a testament to a lifetime of devotion to African literature and its diasporic influences, spanning continents and decades. This collection captures the enduring fascination with the rich tapestry of African stories, from the bustling cities of the continent to its far-flung communities abroad. The essence of Busby’s work lies in its ability to weave together personal narratives with broader cultural themes, offering readers a deep and multifaceted exploration of identity and heritage. It is not just a compilation of writings, but a vibrant celebration of the written word as a tool for connection and understanding.
Metaphorical Escapes and Dark Comedies
Mark Haddon invites readers to embark on a literary journey through metaphorical summer travel. Yang Shuang-zi’s Taiwan Travelogue, translated by Lin King, has captured the International Booker Prize, making it a legal obligation to read. Yet, Haddon also highlights three additional works on the shortlist that deserve attention. Daniel Kehlmann’s The Director, translated by Ross Benjamin, reimagines the life of film director WG Pabst, who fled Germany before WWII, struggled in Hollywood, and returned home in a bold, ironic twist. Ana Paula Maia’s On Earth As It Is Beneath, translated by Padma Viswanathan, delivers a sharp and unsettling narrative set in a Brazilian prison camp, where political horror is dissected with chilling precision. Lastly, Rene Karabash’s She Who Remains, translated by Izidora Angel, tells the story of Bekija/Matija, a woman who transforms her fate by embracing the ancient tradition of becoming a “sworn virgin” in Albania’s Accursed Mountains, living as a man to escape societal constraints.
A Chorus of Perspectives and Deceptive Simplicity
Nina Stibbe’s Prestige Drama by Séamas O’Reilly is a darkly humorous debut that unfolds in the quiet town of Derry. When a glamorous Hollywood star arrives to film a TV series about “the Troubles,” her disappearance sets off a chain of events that exposes the contradictions of memory and media. The novel’s strength lies in its ensemble cast, each voice offering a unique lens on the unfolding mystery. Stibbe also praises Helen Bain’s The Daffodil Days, a novel that uses a “chorus of perspectives” to chronicle a pivotal year in Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes’ marriage. Through vignettes from the housekeeper, the doctor, and local neighbors, Bain crafts a poignant portrayal of love and loss, blending intimacy with historical context. For poetry, Stibbe recommends Joy Is My Middle Name by Sasha Debevec-McKenney, which delivers sharp, witty lines that linger like a well-crafted toast.
“These poems ran through me like beer / through a dirty tap line and into a freshly polished glass.”
A Century of Stories and Timeless Narratives
Stephen Grosz celebrates Deborah Treisman’s A Century of Fiction in the New Yorker: 1925–2025, a monumental anthology of 78 stories spanning the magazine’s first century. This collection is ideal for summer, offering a curated journey through literary history and a companion to keep by the bedside. Grosz also revisits JL Carr’s A Month in the Country, a brief yet profound novel about a man’s gradual restoration through art, friendship, and love rather than therapy. Carr’s work is a quiet triumph, capturing the essence of a rural setting and the transformative power of human connection. Additionally, Stefan Zweig’s The World of Yesterday remains a haunting memoir, written in exile just before his suicide in 1942. It reflects on the fragility of memory, the weight of displacement, and the inevitability of loss, making it a timeless read for introspective summer days.
Delicious Escapism and Intellectual Adventures
Virginia Evans’ summer reading list is anchored by Jess Walter’s Beautiful Ruins, a novel that effortlessly transports readers across time and place. Its narrative is as rich as the settings it explores, blending nostalgia with modern sensibilities to create a story that feels both timeless and urgent. Evans also revisits Dodie Smith’s I Capture the Castle, a nostalgic classic that continues to charm with its wit and warmth, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of simplicity and wonder. For those seeking a more intricate read, Maria Semple’s long-awaited Go Gentle combines sharp humor with reflections on aging and stoic philosophy. The novel’s plot—a high-stakes art heist—serves as a gateway to exploring stoicism’s principles, making it a clever blend of entertainment and intellectual depth.
Memories, Murders, and Personal Reflections
Sarah Waters is captivated by Siri Hustvedt’s Ghost Stories, a moving memoir that traces her life with Paul Auster, especially in the wake of his death. The work is a lyrical meditation on love, grief, and the passage of time, capturing the emotional landscape of a relationship that endured despite life’s trials. Waters also praises Hallie Rubenhold’s Story of a Murder, which reinterprets the infamous Crippen murder case with fresh insight and emotional resonance. Finally, she recommends Patricia Highsmith’s Her Diaries and Notebooks, edited by Anna von Planta, a 900-plus-page exploration of the author’s private thoughts and creative process. These diaries reveal the inner workings of a mind that shaped literary modernism, offering readers a glimpse into the chaos and clarity of Highsmith’s world.
Each of these recommendations, whether through historical reflection, dark humor, or poetic brilliance, provides a distinct entry point into the summer reading season. They invite readers to wander, to ponder, and to experience the written word as both a mirror and a portal. Whether you’re seeking escapism, introspection, or a spark of inspiration, these books promise to deliver a blend of storytelling that resonates long after the last page is turned.