10 Favourite Books in the First Half of 2017

This year was excellent in my reading life. From crying inconsolably to A GAme of Hide and Seek to having nightmarish dreams thanks to The Bear and the Nightingale to soothing my soul with classics, this has been a fun year. Here are the ten best books of 2017 (not necessarily published in the year) in the first half of the year.

Best books of 2017 so far

1.They were like family to me they were like family to me by Helen Maryles Shankman

Such an underrated book. I loved reading these surreal stories about the residents of Wlodawa, a Polish town. Through the POVs of Germans, Poles and Jews, Shakman shows us the horrifying period of 1942. Jews were emptied out of towns, and Shakman’s own ancestors appear in the story making them seem more real. There is an enchanting veil of talking dogs, a Messiah who wants to give up his job, humans who transform into beasts, the land of Poland rising up to defend itself and a Golem with a mission. Absolutely magical (and horrifying)!

2. The Snow child by Eowyn Ivey

So atmospheric that you would be right home in Alaska with the frosty winters and torrid vegetation. This is a book I’d love to read all over again. It is real, yet magical — a childless couple make a figurine of snow and the next day a child with a fox comes to stay with them; their snow child.

3. The Muse by Jessie Burton

Jessie Burton knows how to make her readers sit still and hear a story. I enjoyed her debut novel, The Miniaturist, for the gothic atmosphere but it is The Muse that stole my heart. Alternating between London in 1960s and Andalusia in the late 1930s, The Muse by Jessie Burton is the story of art, love and betrayal. One of my best books of 2017!

4. The Dark Circle by Linda Grant

I had hoped The Dark Circle by Linda Grant would win the Women’s Prize for fiction. It was my favourite book in the shortlist. Set in a sanatorium in Kent where patients suffering from tuberculosis were isolated to get well, this novel is an emotionally fulfilling read.

5. The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

It isn’t often that a book invades my dreams, and this one did! To be honest it was quite scary to dream of rusulkas. But there you go — a fairytale set in old Russia (Rus’) with ample Slavic mythical elements and many stories interweaved. I fell in love with Vasya. Read it on a winter’s day and you would not be disappointed.

6. Swimming lessons by Claire Fuller

Swimming Lessons was one of the most satisfying books of the year for me. It alternates between the past and the present through hidden letters (in books!) and lays bare a marriage, betrayal and family secrets.

7. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

Gaskell is a darling! I loved every minute of North and South, set against the backdrop of the rise of industrial revolution. The language is beautiful and evocative, the love story is sweet and the making of the new world wondrous. This is a great choice to introduce yourself to classics.

8. Five Little Pigs by Agatha Christie

Murder and Hercule Poirot! A philandering brilliant painter is murdered and his wife is convicted. Their daughter reopens the case after receiving a posthumous letter from her mother saying she was innocent. I greatly enjoyed this Agatha Christie mystery this year.

9. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

I might not have been patient with Tolstoy’s agricultural passages in Anna Karenina but I was dazed by the aristocratic world, temptation of following your heart over being chained in a marriage and his wonderful( many) characters. Anna Karenina is a must-read. I dislike big books but this is so worth it.

10. A Game of Hide and Seek by Elizabeth Taylor

I cried buckets reading this. It is a heart breaking story of love and marriage. Read it to be emotionally exhausted but and satisfied as a reader. This is my favourite Elizabeth Taylor. I have not read a lot of her work but I am positive none can outdo this.

A Game of Hide and Seek by Elizabeth Taylor

BONUS

A Clutch of Indian Masterpieces edited by David Davidar

Excellent choice if you are looking for some short stories. These stories are translated from Indian languages as well as originally written in English. I loved that there were a good number of stories from the north and south of the country. I did wish there were more north eastern stories included. But recommended!
Check review.