Six books to read in 2021
From heist thrillers to dystopian dramas, here are six books to whisk you away from the struggles of lockdown.
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Amidst the hardship and uncertainty of 2020, many of us turned to the arts in search of relief from the bleakness of lockdown. With nowhere to go and no one to see, films, television, and music provided a much-needed sense of respite and comfort when reality felt nothing of the sort. Books too provided somewhat of a lifeline amongst the many ebbs and flows of the last year. Whether it was returning to the cosiness of an old classic or delving into the world of new stories, the transportive qualities of literature allowed for a renewed appreciation amongst both casual and fervent readers. With the imminence of further lockdown restrictions, the need for escapist reads shows no signs of slowing down. From fiction to nonfiction, unsettling dystopias to gothic thrillers, here are six books you might want to look out for in 2021.
‘Harlem Shuffle’ by Colson Whitehead
Crime Fiction
Only the fourth author in history to win the Pulitzer Prize twice, and the first to do so consecutively, Colson Whitehead has established himself as one of the great American novelists of our time. From post-apocalyptic thrillers set against the backdrop of zombie outbreaks, to 19th century historical fiction exploring a runaway slave’s escape from a cotton plantation, the impressive scope of Whitehead’s work makes him one of the most versatile authors in today’s literary landscape. His forthcoming novel, “Harlem Shuffle” looks to continue this trend. As a furniture salesman in bustling Manhattan and soon-to-be father to two children, money is a pressing issue for Ray Carney; one that is somewhat alleviated by a seedy side hustle with his cousin Freddy who deals in pawning jewellery. But when Freddy ropes Ray in with a group of gangsters who plan to rob a hotel, Ray’s minor dabbling in illicit sales turn to criminal engagements with the underworld of Harlem. When the heist goes awry, Ray’s efforts to balance his lives as a father and rogue begin to unravel, putting the waning harmony that holds his world together at risk. Set in 1960s Manhattan, Whitehead’s newest novel promises to be a fast-paced crime thriller which has been described as a “hilarious morality play, a social novel about race and power, and ultimately a love letter to Harlem.” If “Harlem Shuffle” bears any resemblance to Whitehead’s previous works, readers can look forward to gripping and emotionally-charged storytelling.
‘Klara and the Sun’ by Kazuo Ishiguro
Science Fiction, Dystopian Fiction
When British novelist Kazuo Ishiguro announced the release of his upcoming book “Klara and the Sun” in June of 2020, the internet was set ablaze with outpourings of excitement and anticipation. While little was revealed about the novel’s plot, the euphoric reaction to his forthcoming publication was a true testament to his prowess and influence as a storyteller. His eighth novel, and the first one in six years, imagines a world in which Artificial Friends can be bought and sold. For Klara, who observes the many customers that enter the store in which she lives, the prospect of being chosen as an Artificial Friend is one that she longs for. As with Ishiguro’s previous novels such as “Never Let Me Go,” “Klara and the Sun” is set in a dystopian future and seeks to answer many of the questions that pervade the society we live in today, namely: what does it mean to love? With the finer details of the story yet to be disclosed, the ambiguity surrounding Ishiguro’s upcoming novel leaves much to the imagination of the reader. Whether the story will explore our anxieties regarding the danger of AI or whether Ishiguro will approach the subject from a more hopeful perspective, is yet to be known. While it’s difficult to assess which of the plethora of books coming out in 2021 has garnered the most buzz, the Nobel prize winning author’s newest release might just be at the top.
‘The Shape of Darkness’ by Laura Purcell
Gothic Horror
Completing three novels in the span of three years, Laura Purcell has emerged as one of most prolific contemporary writers of gothic fiction. Her 2017 release, “The Silent Companions,” in particular saw the author exercising her talent at crafting unsettling prose that lingered long after the final page was read. Her upcoming release “The Shape of Darkness” unfolds during the Victorian era and follows Agnes, a silhouette artist whose efforts to both convalesce from a past illness and support her family are hampered by her failing business. Amidst her personal and financial struggles, the sudden and successive death of her clients compels Agnes to confide in Pearl, a child spiritualist whose abilities to communicate with the departed may unlock the secret behind the recent murders. Yet upon bending the lines that separate the living and the dead, a pandora’s box of danger and peril is opened; one that may cause irreparable damage to Agnes and her pursuit of the truth. In examining the inextricable ties that bind the supernatural and madness, Purcell’s newest release looks poised to continue her exploration of female malady in the Victorian era. Suffused with an unnerving atmosphere set to dilapidated estates in the mist-filled remoteness of rural England, Purcell’s previous novels perfectly encapsulated the immersive quality of gothic fiction. Hopefully “The Shape of Darkness” will be just as enthralling.
‘How Beautiful We Were’ by Imbolo Mbue
Adult Fiction
After appearing on the New York Times bestseller list with her debut novel “Behold the Dreamers,” Imbolo Mbue’s forthcoming book “How Beautiful We Were” explores Western avarice and the lingering effects of colonialism, against the backdrop of a small fictitious region set in Africa. When an American oil company named Pexton arrives in the village of Kosawa, its years-long initiative proves far more catastrophic than any of the villagers could ever have imagined. Contaminating the water, polluting the air and destroying the farmland, the company’s negligence leaves death and despair in its wake, causing irrevocable environmental and social disruption. After the villagers’ pleas for support find little success against the apathy of the oil company and the hostility of their government, the people of Kosawa find themselves powerless and alone. An opportunity presents itself though, when an influential representative - tasked with the job of allaying local upheaval - from Pexton arrives in Kosawa. In the hopes that their fears and concerns will finally be heard, a group of villagers abduct the envoy, in what reveals itself to be a fateful and highly consequential decision. Amidst this chaos, a young girl named Thula sets out to put an end to the suffering and corruption that have plagued her village for decades, in turn becoming a symbol of change amongst the people of Kosawa. Told from the perspective of an oppressed community, “How Beautiful We Were” promises to be a powerful meditation on the exploitation of native land that has occurred throughout history and a community’s refusal to submit. Described as a “masterful novel by a spellbinding writer engaged with the most urgent questions of our day,” Mbue’s forthcoming novel might just be the story of hope and resilience many of us are searching for.
‘How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs we Need’ by Bill Gates
Nonfiction, Environment
In a year which began with deadly wildfires that decimated much of Australia, many directed their attention towards the alarming and ever-growing impacts of climate change. Three months later, that attention was shifted towards the pandemic which has since caused the unprecedented dismantling of social and economic structures. Dominating headlines and flooding our social media, the inescapability of COVID-19 meant that any news regarding the environment was largely pushed to the side. As we enter a new year, with new climate concerns, the arrival of Bill Gates’ newest book couldn’t be any more timely or crucial. Known for his philanthropic work and generous donations to organisations fighting climate change, Microsoft’s co-founder has long been hailed a key advocate of sustainable energy and a spokesperson for greener futures. Gates’ newest book marks an amalgamation of years’ worth of research and studies from experts into climate change and how the ultimate goal of achieving zero emissions can be realised. From looking at the micro - how individuals can hold governments accountable for their actions - to the macro - how heads of states can enforce effective policies on global warming - Gates sets out to explore how we can avoid future environmental disasters that threaten our very existence. Describing the ways in which innovation has limited greenhouse gas emissions and where it can be used in the future, Gates not only outlines why the need for a zero-carbon future is imperative but how it can be achieved. Despite the philanthropist’s understanding that the calamitous effects of climate change won’t be resolved within the next couple of years, he maintains that the prospect of reaching zero emissions is possible. Though Gates’ upcoming release may not be the piece of escapist writing many of us are looking for, it promises to be an important read and one that provides a glimmer of hope and agency at a time when both feel foreign.
‘Malibu Rising’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Adult Fiction, Romance
Exploring fame from the lens of an ageing Hollywood recluse and a fractious seventies rock band, Taylor Jenkins Reid’s previous two novels uncovered the pitfalls of celebrity which so often hide beneath the veneer of glamour and success. Reid continues in the same vein with her upcoming release, “Malibu Rising”, a family drama set by the golden beaches of coastal California. Set in the 80s, the novel follows the famed children of the fictitious singer Mick Riva and their annual, end-of-summer bash which starts off as a booze-filled, invite-only blow out and ends with the family estate in flames. In the sweltering heat of the Californian summer, the yearly festivity represents something entirely different for each child. For Nina, a surfer and supermodel, the party is yet another reminder of the curse of stardom; one that she has sought to abandon for years. For Jay, a decorated athlete, the celebration is an opportunity to find love. And for Hud, an acclaimed photographer, the annual rave marks another year gone by in which his burning secret remains hidden. Chronicling the events of the fateful night, the book details the burden of celebrity and the fragile bond which holds the Riva siblings together. With the extravagance of the Gatsby-esque party and the brimming melodrama of family dynamics, “Malibu Rising” might just be the escapist read you’re looking for in 2021.