FICTION
The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer is published in hardback by Gallery UK, priced £16.99 (ebook £9.99)
Mr Clown Shoes. Lassoo the dog. The corn cob dongle. Just three hilarious elements of The Satsuma Complex – a surprisingly serious debut novel from Would I Lie To You? and Gone Fishing comedy star Bob Mortimer. The stellar success of his surreal and semi-truthful autobiography And Away… caused clamour for a fully fictional follow-up, and Mortimer fulfils the brief with a remarkably dark and gritty tale of sink estate murder, law and order mystery, and honey-trap romance. His distinctive tone and bizarrely British humour sing from every page, with the story swinging from side-splitting set-pieces to moments of real pathos and high drama. It’s a bit unusual, but you’ll love it.
9/10
James Cann
Bournville by Jonathan Coe is published in hardback by Viking, priced £20 (ebook £9.99)
Bournville is the latest offering from Jonathan Coe, who produced the brilliant state-of-the-nation novel Middle England. This time, he takes us to the suburb in Birmingham where chocolate is made, to meet 11-year-old Mary and her family. We join Mary on her life journey through 75 years of social change, marked by moments such as the World Cup, Charles and Diana’s wedding and Covid-19. This book is full of vibrant characters and fabulous dialogue, which switches from laugh-out-loud funny to extremely poignant. There are so many great scenes, including when the family gathers round their new television set for the Queen’s Coronation. It’s almost as if you’re in the living room with them, laughing along as the generations clash, but also realising that this is how history is made. Definitely worth a read.
8/10
Jane Kirby
Seven Empty Houses by Samanta Schweblin, translated by Megan McDowell, is published in hardback by Oneworld Publications, priced £12.99 (ebook £7.99)
A short story collection by the Argentinian-born author. There are seven strange tales here with vivid characters and writing as smooth as butter. In the opener, a woman sneaks into other people’s houses to rearrange things; then there’s the story of a search for two kids who have gone missing with their naked grandparents; and the disturbing tale of a young girl who is led away from a hospital by a stranger. Arguably the best story is Breath From The Depths — the longest in the collection — about an elderly woman suffering life-long grief and mental and physical decline, as she prepares for the inevitability of death. These tales are unusual, often unsettling, with undertones of menace throughout. Some of the endings feel a bit abrupt and unfinished, but it’s an original and unique collection.
7/10
Alan Hutchinson
NON-FICTION
The Extraordinary Life Of An Ordinary Man: A Memoir by Paul Newman is published in hardback by Century, priced £25 (ebook £10.99). Available now
The late Hollywood actor Paul Newman began working on a memoir before his death in 2008, but it was his children who turned the raw material into a published book, resulting in a candid reflection on a life filled with insecurity. The book feels confessional – covering his alcoholism and the death of his son Scott – while also introspective, as Newman attempts to understand what others could see in him that he neglects to see for himself. It traces the life he enjoyed but still brought him pain, and he owns his mistakes and discusses his flaws openly. It is supplemented with first-person accounts from people such as his first wife, Jackie Witte, and his second, Joanne Woodward. Throughout, Newman’s voice is heard, offering a glimpse into the heart and mind of the Hollywood great we thought we knew, but didn’t.
8/10
Ellie Iorizzo
CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE WEEK
Under Milk Wood: An Illustrated Retelling by Dylan Thomas and Cerys Matthews, illustrated by Kate Evans, is published in hardback by W&N, priced £20 (ebook £10.99)
Cerys Matthews is a long-time fan of Dylan Thomas, having composed music for his poetry in the past. In her latest work, she’s adapted Thomas’s Under Milk Wood – a radio drama he first started writing when he was 17 – for an illustrated children’s book. It takes the reader behind the scenes of the fictional seaside village of Llaregubb (adults should read the town’s name backwards for a giggle) – giving a glimpse of what life is like for a whole range of people. Characters range from Organ Morgan sleeping on his organ to Farmer Watkins dancing on the hill, and are accompanied by Kate Evans’ captivating and slightly absurd illustrations. It might be slightly confusing for younger children, but older ones will love the whimsical style and sparkling array of characters. With Matthews’ lyrical adaptation, it’s perfect for bedtime reading.
Prudence Wade
BOOK CHARTS
Hardback Fiction
1. No Plan B by Lee Child & Andrew Child
2. It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover
3. The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer
4. A Heart Full Of Headstones by Ian Rankin
5. The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman
6. The Seven Moons Of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka
7. Babel by R.F. Kuang
8. The Atlas Paradox by Olivie Blake
9. She And Her Cat by Makoto Shinkai & Naruki Nagakawa
10. The Boys From Biloxi by John Grisham
(Compiled by Waterstones)
HARDBACK (NON-FICTION)
1. Surrender by Bono
2. Dear Dolly by Dolly Alderton
3. One by Jamie Oliver
4. Guinness World Records 2023 by Guinness World Records
5. Jordan Henderson by Jordan Henderson
6. Diddly Squat by Jeremy Clarkson
7. Private Eye Annual: 2022 by Ian Hislop
8. Beyond Supervet by Professor Noel
9. The Climate Book by Greta Thunberg
10. TommyInnit Says… The Quote Book by Tom Simons & Will Gold
(Compiled by Waterstones)
