Hi everyone,
This issue is focused on Irish, Argentine, and Spanish female writers who really impressed me.
I hope you enjoy today’s recommendations!
Fiction — English
The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue
Lately, I’ve been immersed in the works of female Irish writers. “The Rachel Incident” stands out as one of my top reads from last year, I simply can’t get it out of my head. The plot, dialogue, and characterisation are superb, and experiencing the story through the audiobook format really brought the characters to life for me.
This story unfolds during a pivotal period in Rachel’s life, where our protagonist seeks to assert herself, both personally and professionally. Throughout this journey, she becomes entangled with several men who will inevitably shape her future: her housemate James, her English professor Dr Byrne, and her boyfriend. “The Rachel Incident” is both a friendship and love story, set against the backdrop of Ireland in the aftermath of the 2008 recession. It’s a compelling exploration of identity that you won’t be able to put down.
🎧 Audiobook: ✅
Breakdown by Cathy Sweeny
Following my obsession with Irish female authors, here’s another fantastic debut novel that I highly recommend. The story revolves around a woman who, one day, finds herself making an unexpected life-altering decision to leave behind her home, husband, and two children. It’s as if a storm brewing within her for years finally reaches its breaking point, compelling her to walk away. As she grapples with silence and space, she confronts her past and the underlying reasons behind her breakdown.
I liked this bit from a review published in the Guardian. “This debut novel tells the tale of many different breakdowns: the breakdown of friendship, of trust, of society’s expectations of wives and mothers; of the prejudice of an older Irish generation, of hopes, of a marriage and – ultimately – of a human mind.” The voice of the narrator is captivating, especially when experienced through the audiobook format.
🎧 Audiobook: ✅
Green Dot by Madeleine Gray
Let’s move on to an Australian author and her debut novel. “Green Dot” by Madeleine Gray introduces us to Hera, a captivating 24-year-old protagonist who doesn’t see the point in adulting in the way she’s meant to. Her reflections are a blend of wonder, provocation, and humour, as she navigates her frustration with the limited and nonsensical options presented by the future.
Despite the accuracy of her analysis and world views, Hera needs a job if she wants to survive in this world. This is how she ends up meeting Arthur, a married colleague, with whom Hera unexpectedly embarks on a messy affair. The plot revolves around Hera’s self-discovery through this relationship . The narrative takes us on an emotional rollercoaster, ranging from moments of humour, to despair, and anger. “Green Dot” is an absorbing read from start to finish. You can read more about this book here.
🎧 Audiobook: ✅
Careless by Kirsty Capes
This is the story of Bess, a fifteen-year-old, who dreams of leaving her life in Shepperton behind to study film in London. However, her aspirations take a sharp turn when she discovers she’s pregnant. With only her best friend to turn to for support, navigating teenage pregnancy becomes an immense challenge, especially considering her upbringing in the foster care system.
“Careless” is a beautifully written book and a gripping page-turner that delves into the options we have in challenging circumstances. Longlisted for the Women’s Prize 2022, this book is a must-read for fans of coming-of-age stories, those interested in learning about the foster care system, and anyone who enjoys stories centred around female friendship.
Extract from a Guardian review: “Care narratives are rare in fiction – Tracy Beaker inevitably comes to mind, and certainly Capes shares with Jacqueline Wilson a tenderness for her vulnerable characters and an understanding of the deep, knotty friendships between girls.”
🎧 Audiobook: ✅
Section 2
Distancia de Rescate por Samantha Schweblin
I struggle to describe this book. Samantha Schweblin, an Argentinian author, is one of the new female authors brilliantly shaping the Latin American gothic and horror genres. If you’re a fan of Mariana Enriquez, María Fernanda Ampuero, Fernanda Melchor, or Dahlia de la Cerda, you will probably appreciate this book. “Distancia de Rescate” has been translated to English as “Fever Dream” and has garnered nominations for several prestigious awards, including being longlisted for the Man Booker international prize. I believe it’s been recently turned into a movie.
The narrative explores the excessive use of pesticides that harm Argentinian soil to promote soy growth, resulting in permanent damage to the local population. At its core is the story of a young mother grappling with her maternal instincts, as she tirelessly endeavours to shield her daughter from dangers and potential harm. Through this lens, the novel exposes the darkness brought into an isolated corner of the world by the relentless pursuit of profit through capitalism and extractivism. Two more reviews: The Guardian. The New Yorker.
🎧 Audiobook: ✅
Tranquilas: Historias para ir solas por la noche
This is an intriguing project that I believe exists only in Spanish. Fourteen hispanic writers have come together and collaborated to share horror stories centred around the female experience. These writers are all known for their fantastic storytelling abilities, employing varied forms to convey their narratives. At the core, the collection focuses on detailed and profound stories that seek to make readers understand the fears, aggressions, and violent situations that women frequently encounter. The central theme of all narratives is fear.
The authors are: Marta Sanz, Edurne Portela, María Folguera, Lucía Asué Mbomío Rubio, Sabina Urraca, Silvia Nanclares, Roberta Marrero, Carme Riera, Jana Leo, Nerea Barjola, María Fernanda Ampuero, Gabriela Wiener, Aixa de la Cruz y Carmen G. de la Cueva.
🎧 Audiobook: ✅
Las Primas por Aurora Venturini
“Las Primas” by Aurora Venturini showcases the remarkable talent of an Argentine novelist whose life was as fascinating as her literary creations. Venturini was a close friend of Eva Perón, and according to Wikipedia, she became a friend of Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus when she lived in Paris. Venturini studied psychology, which likely contributed and influenced her wonderful writing. Her work has been described as “unique, extreme, and disconcertingly original.”
The story portrays a family consisting solely of women—a dysfunctional yet remarkably resilient unit. Our protagonist, Yuna, rises to become a renowned artist against all odds. Semi-autobiographical in nature, the narrative delves into the struggles of families with limited resources navigating a world that often seems rigged against them. “Las Primas” is a daring novel with a unique narrative voice. The narrator, while lacking a full grasp of the underlying subtext, offers detailed observations that allow readers to piece together the intricacies of the story. This story is an absolute jewel and I look forward to delving into more of this author’s work.
🎧 Audiobook: ✅
Panza de Burro por Andrea Abreu López
"Panza de burro" by Andrea Abreu López captivates with its exquisite language, immersing readers in a coming-of-age tale of two friends navigating adolescence. Set against the backdrop of the Canary Islands, renowned for their beauty and tourist appeal, the novel delves into the lives and language of the local population.
In an interview, the author talks about how she tried to explore the limits of language, her own language, and the limits of beauty. In “Panza de Burro,” Abreu explores that age when girls don’t have clarity on the limits between friendship and falling in love.
Another significant theme in the book centres on the role of grandmothers, and how they tend to be seen as symbols of wisdom and “oral tradition.” It examines the transmission of societal rules from one generation of women to the next and how grandmothers also play a role in imposing domestic beliefs onto young girls.
🎧 Audiobook: ✅
Boulder by Eva Baltasar
My god. This book also blew my mind. Baltasar’s command of language is truly remarkable. Luckily, this book has already been translated to English.
The story is pure power, from beginning to end. It has an energy that I don’t know how to describe. The protagonist, Boulder, holds her independence dear and arranges her life so she can always be free. However, everything changes when she falls in love unexpectedly and ends up following her lover across the globe. Little did she know that her partner would seek to domesticate her. “Boulder” is an explosive narrative that delves into the protagonist’s battles against conventionality and domesticity, offering a fascinating exploration of love that will captivate you from start to finish.
🎧 Audiobook: ✅
Links to buy the book
Always try to support your local bookshop. If you’d like me to add any bookshops to the list, let me know. Thanks to those who keep sharing new bookshops with me.
UK
Spain
Mexico
Italy
US
Important notes
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