After what has felt like endless grey, rainy days that have seen us hiding under layers of jumpers, cardigans, duvets and blankets, spring has finally sprung here in the northern hemisphere – and we’re here for it! As the sun starts to peek through and warm our faces again, we’re marching down to the nearest square of grass to soak up some much-needed vitamin D. Whether it’s a novel filled with wanderlust, self-discovery or a book to match the lightness of that new-season feeling, we’ve got you covered. So, settle down in that sunny spot, grab a chilled glass of wine/beer/cocktail/mocktail, and let these 5 books help you welcome longer days and sunnier times.
1. You Made A Fool Of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
“A dream island getaway. Endless sun, ocean breezes, and cocktails by the pool. For Feyi, it’s the perfect escape from the sweltering city and a past she’s ready to leave behind. But as she soaks in the beauty of her new surroundings, she finds herself drawn to someone completely off-limits – and suddenly, this summer isn’t just about moving forward but figuring out what she’s willing to risk for a second chance at love. Lush, romantic, and full of heat in every sense, it’s a story of passion, possibility, and the kind of summer that changes everything.” – Samantha de Haas, Creative Production Manager
2. The South by Tash Aw
“Over long, balmy days in rural Malaysia, Jay and Chuan, two boys on the brink of adulthood, work side by side on a small farm that barely scratches a living. Evenings are spent swimming, drinking cold beers and, eventually, in secret sexual trysts. Set over one swelteringly hot summer, this coming-of-age love story examines class divides and the secrets families keep. And there’s more to come – this is the first novel in a planned quartet from Tash Aw, a novelist stepping into his power.” – Maria Padget, Book Club Director
3. Bonjour Tristesse by Françoise Sagan
“Seventeen-year-old Cécile spends her summer basking in freedom, indulging in lazy days and fleeting romances on the sun-drenched French Riviera. But when her carefree life with her widowed father is disrupted by his decision to remarry, the golden haze of summer takes a darker turn. As the tension intensifies, Cécile is forced to grapple with her emotions and the complex dynamics of her changing family. It’s an elegant, nostalgic read that’s simmering with heat.” – Samantha de Haas, Creative Production Manager
4. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
“The perfect companion for sunlit days when anything feels possible: The Alchemist follows young shepherd Santiago, who dreams of adventure; sensing that life has more in store for him than his quiet home and flock. When he sets off in search of treasure, his journey takes him across distant lands, where he meets strangers who change his path and discovers wisdom that reshapes his world.” – Lisa Harvey, Editorial Director
5. Hot Milk by Deborah Levy
“Under the golden Spanish sun, Sofia and her mother arrive in a quiet coastal village, searching for answers. Her mother suffers from a mysterious illness that defies conventional medicine while Sofia tries to untangle the truth. It’s a hypnotic, sun-drenched story of self-discovery, desire, and the complicated bonds between a mother and daughter.” – Maria Padget, Book Club Director
