Your weekend reading list is here, and it consists of some quintessentially American as well as gloriously riveting historical storylines. From a family portrait of John Wilkes Booth and road trips across the American landscape to a depiction of the Medicis in Renaissance Italy, all titles in this list promise beautiful covers, brilliant characterisations and addictively-good weekend reading.
Booth by Karen Jay Fowler
Karen Joy Fowler’s “Booth” delves into the heart of history, not through the infamous John Wilkes Booth himself, but through his captivating family. The novel follows the Booths as they escape to a secluded farm, raising ten children amidst a nation teetering on the brink of civil war. Fowler weaves a rich tapestry of family dynamics, exploring ambition, addiction, and the burden of a dark prophecy. Through the Booth siblings’ triumphs and tragedies, “Booth” sheds light on the forces that shape both a family and a nation on the cusp of a defining moment.
A Calling for Charles Barnes by Joshua Ferris
“A Calling for Charlie Barnes” is a hilarious and poignant look at redemption in later life. Charlie, a flawed but ambitious investment advisor, grapples with a string of failed business ventures and fractured relationships after the 2008 financial crisis. Facing a terminal illness, he revisits his life’s choices with the help of his son, a gifted storyteller. The novel’s non-linear narrative keeps you guessing as Charlie confronts his past mistakes, offering a chance to find meaning and reconnect with his estranged family. Buckle up for a fast-paced and unforgettable journey through one man’s quest for love and legacy.
Less is Lost by Andrew Sean Greer
Andrew Sean Greer’s “Less Is Lost” picks up with Arthur Less, our endearingly awkward protagonist, years after his chaotic globetrotting adventure. This time, a series of misfortunes propel him on a hilarious road trip across America. Expect mishaps, a menagerie of eccentric writers Arthur encounters at his readings, and soul-searching detours as he grapples with love, loss, and his own identity. With witty prose and a cast you’ll grow attached to, “Less Is Lost” is a road trip narrative that’s perfect for devouring in one sitting.
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell
Immerse yourself in Renaissance Italy with Maggie O’Farrell’s “The Marriage Portrait.” The novel follows Lucrezia, a young Medici daughter, sent off to a strategic marriage with the Duke of Ferrara. As she endures a stifling court and artistic scrutiny while posing for her official portrait, whispers of a potential murder plot swirl. O’Farrell masterfully weaves past and present, giving voice to both Lucrezia and a modern-day art historian captivated by her story. This captivating tale, rich in historical detail and brimming with suspense, makes “The Marriage Portrait” a fast-paced and unforgettable read.
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Bearing deserved recommendations by Obama and Oprah, James McBride’s “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store” unearths a long-buried secret in 1972 Pennsylvania. A skeleton found during construction sparks a journey back to the 1920s and 30s, revealing the lives of Black and Jewish residents in the close-knit, but segregated, Chicken Hill neighbourhood. The narrative shifts between past and present, weaving together the stories of the Ludlow family, their grocery store, and a deaf Black boy named Dodo. McBride’s characters grapple with racism, prejudice, and the fight for survival, building a powerful sense of community. Buckle up for a captivating historical mystery that celebrates the strength found in unexpected bonds.
Pick up any of these 5 Dazzling Big Books With Bigger Characters from any Kunzum store or WhatsApp +91.8800200280 to order. Buy the book(s) and the coffee’s on us.