June Must Reads
Sally Rooney’s ‘Intermezzo’ has been one of the most talked-about novels of the year — and for good reason. In our latest piece, we reflect on the experience of reading it: the complexity of grief, the emotional limitations of masculinity, and how Rooney writes sibling relationships with such clarity and depth.
What started as a quick debrief turned into a wider conversation about narration, identity, emotional discomfort, and Rooney’s distinctive portrayal of interiority. We explored what made the novel resonate so deeply and linger well beyond the final page.
May Must Reads
Hotel Avocado, by Bob Mortimer
In this witty and quietly profound follow-up to The Satsuma Complex, Bob Mortimer blends surreal humour with a tender exploration of male vulnerability. Hotel Avocado continues the story of Gary Thorn, using absurdity and charm to peel back the layers of modern masculinity, self-doubt, and emotional connection. Beneath the laughs lies a heartfelt, emotionally aware narrative that turns comedy into a tool for truth.
A Little Life, by Hanya Yanagihara
A Little Life follows four college friends in New York City, gradually centreing on Jude St. Francis — a brilliant, mysterious man with a harrowing past. As the years pass, their friendships are tested by ambition, love, and above all, the lasting scars of trauma. At its core, the novel is a haunting exploration of pain, survival, and the limits of love.
Demon Copperhead, by Barbara Kingsolver
Despite overwhelming hardship, Demon’s voice is sharp, honest, and filled with yearning. Kingsolver paints a harrowing yet intimate portrait of resilience, love, and hope in forgotten America. With vivid storytelling and emotional depth, Demon Copperhead is both devastating and uplifting, a must-read that lingers long after the final page.
BEYOND THE WORD 