Whether you're looking for a gift or a good read for yourself, there's something for everyone in The Book Hive's top ten books of 2020.
The Octopus by Tess Little
Although she’s not local anymore, Tess is a Norwich woman originally and this is her first novel. Described as a stylish exploration of power set between the Norfolk marshes and L.A. – and featuring an Octopus called Persephone – this is a debut from a writer to watch.
The Offing by Benjamin Myers
Lyrical, warm, rural and with beautifully drawn characters this enchanting examination of a friendship is a glorious tonic to the cynicism of the current world we live in!
Invisible women by Caroline Criado Perez
The world is designed by men, for men. It always has been and things are changing only very slowly. Fascinating and appalling in equal measure, this exposure of the gender bias in everyday life is essential reading for, well, everybody.
Sudden Traveller by Sarah Hall
A Cumbrian writer now at home in Norwich. Multi award winning novelist Sarah Hall’s latest collection of short stories is visceral, unnerving and brilliant. Hall is without doubt one of our finest writers working today.
Ghostland by Edward Parnell
Another local writer, Parnell’s first book of non fiction garnered much praise and award nominations. A tale of personal grief, loss and the redemptive power of stories – ghost stories in this case – that offer solace in the face of great pain. Honest and moving, this is a wonderful achievement.
Memoirs of a Basque Cow by Bernardo Atxaga
A wonderfully surreal book – possibly for children but also for adults – about a cow telling her memoirs of living in the Basque mountains during the time of Franco’s violent dictatorship. Charming funny and insightful which works on many levels.
Women Don’t Owe You Pretty by Florence Given
This book, brilliantly smashing the out-dated narratives supplied by the patriarchy, gives women young and old reminders they so often need that they owe men NOTHING. And as with all books providing excellent how-to’s in the face of society’s rigid sexism, it is just as important for men and boys to read it too.
Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
Set 200 years after the first Cinderella is dead, the royal court is still based on the king wive’s being chosen for beauty and wealth. Sophia doesn’t fit into that plan however, and when she meets the last known descendant of the original Cinderella, they decide it’s time to make a change. Older kids/YA book rewriting the rules!
Dance Cure by Dr peter Lovatt
The success of Strictly proves something we all secretly knew – dancing makes you feel good! And (local) writer/speaker/dancer aka Dr Dance has written a book telling us exactly how we can work dance into our everyday lives to make us happier and more fulfilled people. What else can you want??!
A Cheesemongers History of the British Isles – Ned Palmer
I mean – it does what it says – history, Britain and cheese. But it does it with such verve and style that it becomes something else – a homage to cheese, its makers and eaters in this nation which has such a rich history of making the stuff. Delicious!
You can find The Book Hive at 53 London Street, Norwich, NR2 1HL and online at www.thebookhive.co.uk
About the Author
The Book Hive
The Book Hive is an independent book shop in the heart of Norwich. There you’ll find hand-picked new fiction & nonfiction, poetry, small press, children’s, cookery & art titles.
