Here’s a summary of the highlighted books:
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The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle (£9.99, Penguin)
- A response to H.P. Lovecraft’s racism, LaValle recasts Lovecraft’s “The Horror at Red Hook” through the eyes of a 1920s Harlem musician and hustler, Black Tom. This short novel intertwines themes of cosmic horror with everyday life, showcasing LaValle’s brilliant storytelling.
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As You Wake, Break the Shell by Becky Chambers (£22, Hodderscape)
- Set on a distant planet, this non-linear narrative follows botanist Signy and her love Cora, a rorqual pilot. The story jumps from their initial meeting to their life together a decade later, focusing on their relationship and the challenges of life as colonists. While the characters and details are charming, some readers may find the pacing slow.
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The Eye of Goliath by Diego Muzzio, translated by Rahul Bery (£12.99, Pushkin)
- This gothic horror novel unfolds in a 1920s Edinburgh asylum, where Dr. Pierce attempts to help traumatized World War I veterans. The story centers on David Bradley, whose madness ties to a haunting past involving an abandoned lighthouse. The interlocking narratives create a chilling atmosphere.
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Our Cut of Salt by Deena Helm (£22, Orbit)
- The novel follows Marina, a young American of mixed heritage, as she explores her Palestinian grandmother’s haunted childhood home in Haifa. The narrative delves into themes of loss and trauma, with the house serving as a powerful symbol of her family’s past. Although it has some inconsistencies, it offers a poignant exploration of Palestinian history.
