Welcome to The PBH Library
Butcher's Crossing, by John Williams
Robin Fenwick-Smith - As with most of my books, I found this in Daunt next to the office. Williams is a massively unappreciated author who was a university professor. He wrote few books one of which was also the amazing 'Stoner'. This book somewhat of a precursor to Cormac McCarthy follows a Harvard drop out as he seeks adventure Buffalo hunting in the West of 18th century USA. Beautifully written and documenting a grisly period in US history highlighting how much the world has changed but human nature has not.
Strangers, by Belle Burden
Elizabeth Sorensen - Strangers is a memoire by Belle about the breakdown of her marriage during Covid. Her husband walks out on not just her but their children and she details the aftermath of their separation. Her life is one of waspy east coast privilege, and she is part of a family that does not openly discuss personal matters, which she unpicks as well. Strangers is a riveting read.
Siddhartha, by Herman Hesse
Harry Bloomfield - A retelling of the Buddha's Life that holds a lyricism, humanity, and suggestion forward.
The Last Unicorn, by Peter S Beagle
Nathalie Sorrell - What I love about it is it is a fairy-tale exploring the great beauty of love and being human coming from mortality and that inevitable struggles such as loss and regret is worth the beauty of it all.
The Names, by Florence Knapp
Clare Griffin - This book follows the journey of a family over 20 years. The protagonist, Cora has to register her sons birth and she has to decide whether to name him ‘Bear’, her daughters choice, Julian, Cora’s choice or Gordon, the fathers choice and the expected name to be chosen. We view their journey from three perspectives, depending on each name chosen. The story depicts a mother’s autonomy versus disempowerment and I particularly enjoyed the family dynamics, loyalties and destruction through this lens.
The Women, by Kirsten Hannah
Molly Clarke - A beautifully written, deeply moving novel that brings the untold experiences of women in the Vietnam War vividly to life.
Drive Your Plough Over The Bones Of The Dead, by Olga Tokarczuk
Araminta de Clermont - The book is even better than the title ! It’s an environmental thriller, with perhaps my favourite heroine ever. It's also very funny and questions what ‘madness’ is.
A Heart That Works, by Rob Delaney
Sam Mason - Written after the death of his young son, actor and comedian Rob Delaney's (Catastrophe, Deadpool) writing is at once brutal and beautiful, heartbreaking and life affirming
Theo of Golden, by Allen Levi
Jessica Clarke - Theo of Golden by Allen Levi was a beautifully warm and gentle read. It restored my faith in humanity and reminded me of the quiet power of kindness, community, and genuine human connection, something that often feels like a lost art.
Ficciones, by Jorge Luis Borges
Jaz Dalrymple - One my favourite collections of short stories, surreal and fantastical human design, humour, and collapse. In one, he writes about a Babylonian lottery that evolves from simply winning money, to some tickets meaning you owe money, participation becoming compulsory to all but the elite, to being allocated signs or symbols that swapped your positions in society or left you in complete thrall to the opposite symbol.
A History of Women in 100 Objects, by Maggie Andrews and Janis Lomas
Marissa Carrarini - I love this book and I have dipped in and out of it over the years. There are some captivating images and a wondrous selection of objects reflecting the complexities, difficulties and creativity of womenhood, alongside the extraordinary achievements of many women. A sometimes-heart-breaking but always inspiring read.
The Snowman, by Jo Nesbo
Nicolay Sorensen - Norwegian snowscapes, alcoholism and murder; what more could you want?
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
Georgie Porter - I love this book and how it balances heavy moral questions with warmth and humour. Exploring complex themes juxtaposed with childhood innocence.
Tilda Tries Again, by Tom Percival
Dafni Antonarou - I recommend it because it has helped me support my young children to 'try again' when things become difficult. It is about a little girl whose world becomes topsy-turvy one day, and she struggles to play and challenge herself. She witnesses a stuck ladybug persistently trying to get free, which inspires her to try things repeatedly until she succeeds.
London Falling, by Patrick Radden Keefe
A fascinating account of how one boy's con led to deceit, betrayal and tragedy. Patrick Radden Keefe applies the same rigorous research and spellbinding storytelling to his latest novel as he did so masterfully in Empire of Pain. London Falling is a wildly compelling true story that speaks to the universal desire to belong whilst keeping up with the Joneses!
The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini
It is based on the story of a little boy living in Kabul whilst Afghanistan faces tumultuous times. It censured the relationship of a father and son. The depth of description and imagery of Khaled’s writing has stayed with me, as well as the raw emotional richness.
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