NOAH HAWLEY Anthem. Reviewed by Robert Goodman
The author of Before the Fall has created a grim vision of the near future in this fast-paced new novel. Noah Hawley is angry and a little bit scared of the future, especially on behalf of his children. Those familiar with his previous book Before the Fall could not...
SARA FOSTER The Hush. Reviewed by Emma Foster (no relation)
An unsettlingly plausible near-future UK provides the backdrop for Sara Foster’s dystopian thriller, The Hush. In Sara Foster’s seventh novel, the world is emerging from years of pandemic lockdowns; the threat of food scarcity, economic turmoil and climate...
CATHERYNNE M VALENTE The Past is Red. Reviewed by Robert Goodman
Catherynne M Valente’s new novel focusses on hope and resilience while asking what future generations will make of our wasteful ways. Just when you think the post-apocalyptic narrative might have become a bit stale, along comes Catherynne M Valente to blow it...
KAZUO ISHIGURO Klara and the Sun. Reviewed by Paul Anderson
Kazuo Ishiguro’s latest novel is as much about what it is to be human as it is about artificial intelligence. Klara and the Sun is Kazuo Ishiguro’s first novel since he was awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in Literature. He touches on AI towards the end of his Nobel...
MATTHEW BAKER Why Visit America. Reviewed by Robert Goodman
Matthew Baker casts a critical eye on his country in these timely short stories that present alternate versions of America. While there have always been books of short stories, at the moment there seems to be a resurgence of anthology TV series, particularly in genres...
JASPER FFORDE The Constant Rabbit. Reviewed by Robert Goodman
In his latest novel Jasper Fforde departs from his famous Tuesday Next series and explores themes of fear and prejudice in Britain. It is not very far into The Constant Rabbit that readers familiar with Jasper Fforde’s work will know, without doubt, they are in a...
TED CHIANG Exhalation. Reviewed by Chris Maher
These new stories from award-winning author Ted Chiang challenge what we think about artificial intelligence, free will and other big questions. Ted Chiang made quite an impact in 2002 with his debut collection, Stories of Your Life and Others. The title story won a...
LAVIE TIDHAR By Force Alone. Reviewed by Robert Goodman
Lavie Tidhar reimagines the Arthurian myths in this new novel, foregrounding the quest for power over chivalry and romance. Israeli science fiction and fantasy author Lavie Tidhar has a wide and varied bibliography. He has won and been shortlisted for numerous...The Godfather: Peter Corris on dreams
On awakening he appeared to himself to have a distinct recollection of the whole, and taking his pen, ink, and paper, instantly and eagerly wrote down the lines that are here preserved. At this moment he was unfortunately called out by a person on business from...
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