2020 in Books

Like most people before 2020, we found ourselves wishing we had more time to spend on our hobbies. There was never enough time in the day to do everything that needed to be done, as well as all the stuff we wished we could do. For both of us, reading for fun was one of those things. 2020 may have taken so much from us; time spent with family, big life plans, trips to places more exciting than the big supermarket, but it did at least allow us to have the downtime that we so often found ourselves wanting. 

As such, we have both thrown ourselves into the worlds of books, whether just to fill the days or to escape to lands that aren't virus infected – who knows. This past year, we have both reads more than ever before. Although a difficult task, we have each rounded up our three favourite books from last year and why we loved them.

Bertie

The Silent Stars Go By – Sally Nicholls

As an admirer of Nicholls's previous works, a history buff and a lover of Christmas, as soon as I read the summary of The Silent Stars Go By, I knew I would absolutely love it. Set just after the First World War in 1919, The Silent Stars Go By explores the Christmas of vicar's daughter Margot and her family, who have been hiding a secret in plain sight. We see Margot reunited with an old flame, Harry, for the first time since he left for service and was consequently captured and spent his war in a Prisoner of War camp. The pair have to learn how to navigate their relationship in a world so different to that in which they inhabited before the war, whilst simultaneously struggling with their own personal growth. 

Set the against the backdrop of a quaint village Christmas, The Silent Stars Go By balances the warmth, gentleness and excitement of the festive season undeniably more serious topics, allowing one to reflect whilst not feeling assaulted or barraged by the heavier stuff. 

Rebecca – Daphne Du Maurier

I first heard of this book when studying English Literature at school and immediately upon hearing the French surname decided that it would be much too clever for me to ever understand or enjoy, and so swiftly put it out of my mind for several years. However, this year, after hearing the tale was to be made into a film, I decided to give the book a go, and absolutely loved every moment of it. 

Rebecca follows the story of newlyweds haunted by the idea of the husband's ex-wife, who appears to be beloved and idolised by all who knew her. The story follows Maxim's new bride, the protagonist whose name we never actually learn, as she struggles to live up to these lofty ideals, whilst simultaneously uncovering the dark secrets surrounding Rebecca's death. In short, it is a literary masterpiece that plays with the narrative expertly, allowing the reader to discover secrets along with the characters. I have never gasped so hard reading a book before, or had to put it down just to internalise all the crazy things I had been reading, and for that I loved it dearly. 

This Lovely City – Louise Hare

As someone who studied Contemporary British History, anything set in 20th century London is an immediate winner for me, however it also helps that Louise Hare's debut novel was an exceptional piece of writing. Set just after the Second World War in South London, This Lovely City explores the life of jazz musician Lawrie Matthews, who has recently arrived in Britain aboard HMS Windrush. Lawrie comes to England to seek a better life, but all goes upside down when he finds the body of a baby in a duck pond in his local park.

The story discusses ideas of family, belonging and racial inequality in a digestible, yet compelling way, telling Lawrie's story by jumping backwards and forwards in time, weaving an intricate timeline of events whilst also painting a beautiful image of mid-century London that left me dreaming for days. An absolute must-read for history lovers!

Callum

Normal People - Sally Rooney

I first read Normal People right back at the beginning of last year in anticipation for the BBC series. I have since reread it twice more.

Normal People follows Connell Waldron and Marianne Sheridan who attend the same school in County Sligo, Ireland. The book examines their burgeoning relationship as they leave school and head off to university at Trinity College Dublin. Though they both come from the same small town, Connell and Marianne's life experiences are very different, and so the book also examines the class system and the politics they find themselves in. 

The writing of Normal People is plain and frank, quite matter of fact in its language. There's a real candidness in its stream of consciousness format, making it easy to slip into the world Marianne and Connell inhabit. I flew through it, quickly becoming swept up in the intensity of their often fractured and messy relationship. I'm not one for absolutes or favourites, but I really adore this book. It's the one book I think I will always recommend to people. 

Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman

I already knew a fair bit about this book before reading it. There was so much hype and buzz around the film adaptation a few years back, and so I was already familiar with its fruiter moments...

The book follows Elio and Oliver on their slow-burning and ofttimes frustrating summer romance, which barely lasts six weeks. I found the novel to be quite transportive, what with the backdrop of the Italian Riviera as a setting, it's easy to convince yourself that you're casually strolling through an Italian piazza alongside the couple, instead of being stuck in a very British pandemic. 

The novel is an intimate and tender one, much like the relationship between Elio and Oliver. I was really struck by how beautiful the writing is.

Asha & the Spirit Bird by Jasbinder Bilan

This book won the Costa Children's Book Award back in 2019, and deservedly so. The story follows Asha, a young Indian girl who goes on an adventure to a far-off city to find her father. The journey through the Himalayas is long and arduous, but Asha is determined to help save her family farm. She takes comfort in the belief that her nanijee will be watching over her every step. 

Although there is real warmth to this tale, Jasbinder Bilan does not shy away from exploring the potential humanity has for cruelty and wickedness. She writes so strikingly of the rich culture of India and the real beauty of spirituality and hope that Asha always holds onto. 

Jasbinder's second book, Tamarind & the Star of Ishta was published back in September and is on my list of books to read in 2021! 

And so those are our favourite reads of 2020! Here’s hoping that 2021 is full of health, happiness, and good books. Happy new year!