Brum's Weekend Bookcase: New Novels, Non-Fiction & Kids' Corner
Welcome to our weekly literary round-up, bringing you the freshest titles to add to your reading list. From gripping fiction to thought-provoking non-fiction and delightful children's stories, there's something for every book lover this weekend.
Fiction Highlights
Permanence by Sophie Mackintosh - 8/10
Clara and Francis are embroiled in a secret affair that takes an unexpected turn when they awaken in a mysterious city where they can live openly as lovers. Initially, their hidden prayers seem answered, but as time passes, cracks in their relationship mirror those appearing in their apartment ceiling. This thoughtful and provocative novel explores whether idealized happiness has any real foundation and what price one might pay to remain in a transient paradise. Sparing yet deeply emotive, it blurs lines between love, desire, reality, and disconnect.
Published in hardback by Hamish Hamilton, priced £18.99 (ebook £9.99). Review by Hannah Colby.
The Body Builders by Albertine Clarke - 7/10
London-born author Albertine Clarke, now based in New York, presents her debut novel about Ada, a lonely young adult grappling with her parents' abrupt divorce. Her father immerses himself in bodybuilding, while her relationship with her mother remains strained. A chance meeting with a mysterious man named Atticus at a swimming pool leads to surreal interactions that unravel Ada's reality, eventually transporting her to another realm while her earthly shell remains in limbo. This ambitious, imaginative tale serves as an allegory for modern isolation and fractured family pain.
Published in hardback by Corsair, priced £16.99 (ebook £9.99). Review by James Cann.
To The Moon And Back by Eliana Ramage - 6/10
This densely detailed narrative follows Steph, a girl determined to become an astronaut despite the personal costs. After fleeing from their father, Steph and her sister Kayla join a Cherokee community, where their mother's heritage stories provide grounding but conceal truths. Meanwhile, Della, removed from her family due to opposition to the Indian Child Welfare Act, navigates dual parental worlds, religious weight, sexuality, and disconnection from Cherokee history. While nuanced and adept at tackling painful topics, the prose can sometimes feel laborious.
Published in hardback by Doubleday, priced £18.99 (ebook £8.99). Review by Ella Walker.
Non-Fiction Spotlight
Talking Classics: The Shock Of The Old by Mary Beard - 9/10
Britain's renowned classicist returns with a part-memoir, part-manifesto advocating for the continued relevance of ancient Greek and Roman studies. Drawing from decades of teaching and deep affection for the subject, Beard argues against dismissals of classics as old-fashioned or elitist. In exuberant style, she explores its legacy in modern politics, art, identity formation, and language power. This short, engrossing book suggests that engaging with classics—especially in an era of AI-generated answers and political polarization—means grappling with multiple viewpoints, potentially leading to greater self-understanding.
Published in hardback by Profile Books, priced £16.99 (ebook £9.99). Available April 16. Review by Amy Crowther.
Children's Corner
Bum Fish by Pauline Pinson, illustrated by Magali Le Huche - 9/10
A rare picture book that entertains both children and adults, this French bestseller makes its English debut. It follows a fish that resembles a bum, facing constant teasing until an ocean-depth adventure leads to a meeting with another oddly-shaped fish. Their fast friendship teaches that appearances don't define worth. With funny, quirky storytelling and lovely illustrations, it delivers a sweet message without being overly saccharine.
Published in paperback by Pushkin Children’s Books, priced £8.99 (no ebook). Review by Prudence Wade.
Finding Your Next Read
Whether you prefer physical books or digital formats, numerous options await:
- Physical Reads: Check bestsellers at Waterstones or new releases on Amazon. For collectors, AbeBooks offers rare finds and first editions.
- Digital Reads: Consider an Amazon Kindle or Kobo eReader for portable libraries. BookBub provides email alerts for cheap ebook deals, including free titles.
- Audiobooks: Audible currently offers a free 30-day trial with access to podcasts and audiobooks.
- Free Books: Don't overlook local libraries, many of which offer BorrowBox app access to eBooks and magazines.
Remember to revisit next Saturday for another literary update. All prices are correct at publication time.
