Oranges are Not the Only Fruit – Jeannette Winterson

UK
Autobiographical Novel

Haunting, humorous, heartfelt, Winterson explores the self and growing up in the dynamic of small town families. Covering themes of religion, abuse, shame and reconciliation, the book is wise without being pretentious. Winterson’s writing of queer love and queerness doesn’t feel manufactured or fetishized, and the biblical imagery makes this coming-of-age story a stunning work of fiction.    

Cobalt Blue – Sachin Kundalkar (translated by Jerry Pinto)

India
Fictional Drama Novel

Cobalt Blue tells the heart-wrenching story of love and loss. It presents the complex dynamic of sexuality, love, heartbreak and emotion in the pervasive context of Indian family and society simply yet powerfully. Pinto’s translation retains the cinematism and simplisticity of Kundalkar’s writing and lets the reader forget they are reading a translation.

The Vet’s Daughter – Barbara Comyns

UK
Fiction (Magical Realism; Edwardian Gothic)

The Vet’s Daughter is about Alice, who (literally) levitates above domestic nightmares in her life, floating up to the ceiling, much to the awe and disgust of the people around her. The realm is Edwardian realism, with a pinch of magical realism and a dash of the gothic. Barbara Comyns’s writing style is truly original and off-kilter, making this a riveting read.

Blood Red, Snow White – Marcus Sedgwick

UK
Historical Fiction

Entangling the world of fairy tales, politics and love in 1917 Russia, Sedgwick’s lyrical and powerful prose seamlessly fuses historical fiction with children’s fiction. The magic of the novel lies in his descriptions, which allow the reader to live the chaos of the revolution. Combined with rich characterization, Sedgwick transforms a dry and overused theme into a refreshing blend of genres and techniques.