You have precious moments to yourself when the kids finally nod off. And if you’ve had enough of Netflix, nothing beats having a brilliant book to get lost in.  We have five that deserve a place on your bedside table, ideal for dipping in and out of (or should you get a blissful, uninterrupted afternoon, for binge-reading).    

 

The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock by Imogen Hermes 

 

 

This lavish historical novel set in 1785, follows two unlikely acquaintances - merchant John Hancock, who acquires a mermaid and Angelica Neal, a courtesan of great accomplishment. The gossip soon spreads; everyone wants to glimpse at his new marvel. The two meet at an opulent party and the obsession starts.

 

The Girls by Emma Cline

 

 

The year is 1969 and unsure Evie is fascinated and slowly lured in by members of a mysterious cult and its enigmatic yet creepy leader, Russell. She's lonely, she's enthralled, she yearns to fit in. Based on Charles Manson and the infamous gruesome murders of the late sixties, Cline's focus is on the impulses that drove his female acolytes to their dark and drastic actions.

 

The Strawberry Girl by Lisa Stromme

 

Not the children's tale, but rather the book based on the story of Edvard Munch's infamous painting, The Scream. It's summer 1893 in the Norwegian fishing village of Asgardstrand, and local girl Johanne Lien becomes a maid for the Ihlen family. She soon becomes fascinated by aspiring artist Munch and his powerful art.

 

Anything is possible by Elizabeth Strout

 

 

Nine interconnected stories that reintroduce the central character of Strout's My Name is Lucy Barton and all nine tales are built around the Illinois town where Lucy grew up. She remains an almost mythical figure as we learn of those who knew her. Like Dottie, Lucy's second cousin, who has become an expert at suffering rejection; or Tommy, her school janitor, who spent his life convinced an early tragedy was meant to happen.

 

The Break by Marian Keyes 

 

 

Amy's husband Hugh says he wants to go on a break. Only it isn't really a break - he just wants to find himself in South East Asia - and it's only for six months, hardly anything. He's having a mid-life crisis but it's a break and not a breakup - not yet. But his leaving sends Amy over the edge, will anything be the same when he returns?

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